Funny bone ...

Makin' It Happen In Manurewa!

Our project in Manurewa South School kicked off on a beautiful Saturday morning in October.  We will be training 'hard out' until the Graduation in November in 3 weeks time.

One of the awesome features of this school, is the Parents Hub.  A pod of computers was set up in this room  that is indeed, a hub for the whanau to collect and work on projects that engage school and community.  Its location in the school is perfect - it is the former staffroom and has wonderful views of the fields and class areas.  The tamariki can also wander past and see their parents at work and at study.

What a wonderful place to train and what an awesome group of parents we have met so far!  Our buddy, Shiloh Aloiai, continues to assist in this project along with trainer Foloki Faiva (back from his sunbathing in Aussie - whether he brought us choccies remains to be seen!).

Morning In Manurewa South on PhotoPeach

 

 WELCOME MANUREWA SOUTH SCHOOL!

Dropping in at Aorere College ...

I love to drop in on different projects and see what everyone is up to, the different training techniques and of course, meeting students before they graduate.

One of my favourite sessions topic is the MS Word Document.  No matter how computer savvy you are or aren't - this is fun for EVERYONE and it's usually the more savvy users that take the longest time to finish!  We love that by the way - it shows you're having FUN with learning!

Here are some early pics of the MS Word sessions going on and the wonderful creations spilling forth!  Well done Aorere - hidden artists :)

A lot of planning and thinking, poring through Google for the right pictures ...

Beautiful faces ....

Someone HAS to do Nicky Minaj!

This one had a barcode for authenticity - except when I scanned the code - his magazine was for FREE!

Yep!  That works!

NEW PROJECTS AFOOT!

Yes!  We're starting fresh projects!  Welcome aboard to Manurewa South School, Wymondley Road School and Aorere College!

Over the next few weeks, these projects will be working very hard to graduate in November.  

I know!  "Hard out!" you say!  That's how we roll!  With the shorter school term, it is indeed 'hard out' for all of our participants - it's closer to Christmas time and for our college - closer to the final exams of the year.  It is hectic everywhere but we thank our Principals - Patrick Drumm (Aorere), Pelu Leaupepetele (Wymondley) and Tone Kolose (Manurewa) for welcoming the project into their schools on behalf of their whanau.

Signing up with Manurewa South School
Co-ordinator Cara, Trainer Foloki Faiva and Principal Tone Kolose

Watch for developments everyone!

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School Graduation

Graduate Mrs. Makaleta Matakaiongo (seated)
with proud daughter and moko 

 The Heart of Aroha

A very strong treasure this school has is the heart of aroha for it's Whanau.  This was evidenced in the anecdotes and tributes shared on the night of their graduation in July 2012.   

Praise abounded for the trainers Christine Kaumoana and her wicked sense of humour, and for Manu Ngakuru-Syder (also IT support).

A huge thank you to Principal Kallie Ngakuru-Syder for welcoming Computers In Homes into SEHC and for providing the extra support where it was needed.  The nights I dropped in to visit the sessions, Principal Kallie would be there watching the children that had come along with parents  and setting up activities for them to do.

SEHC Middle School CIH Graduates 2012

Christine and Manu - CIH Trainers

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate graduated 15 students and have the auspicious honour of having 'Nanny Tonga', Mrs. Makaleta Matakaiongo, our most senior graduate yet at 72 years of age!  This class bonded together in their awhi of Nanny Tonga, who found the initial concept of computers daunting.  Her visible discomfort drew many of the students to her,  the walls of shyness came down quickly and (from many reports) - sessions were loaded with comedy and warmth from then on.




I would love to bring the project back to this school!  It's heart for whanau is huge and the level of support is awesome.

Well done and congratulations to everyone that participated.

The bridge has now been built for whanau and school.