Computers in Homes suspended awaiting funding renewal

This blog is not being updated whilst we await renewal of funding.

Please visit 2020.nz or computersinhomes.nz for latest news or follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/2020trustnz

Thank you

Bill Dashfield
20/20 web maestro

Funding being restored

The 2017 Coalition Government Agreement stated that Government funding for Computers in Homes – which ceased in June – will be restored. We are waiting to discuss this with the new Government. Meanwhile we continue to support the families from 2016/17 for their first 12 months online.

Because of this gap in funding, in some regions we no longer have a regional coordinator, and our national team are supporting those families.

The stories and statistics in the Computers in Homes Annual Report 2016/17 shows why the programme is so important – and successful – in helping New Zealand families get full benefit of being online.

St Mary McKillop Catholic Primary School Celebrate

St Mary McKillop Catholic Primary School are like the first cousins of a graduation we hosted a few years ago.  The link will come to light in a moment.  First - the class graduation photo:

Graduation night with whanau, Hon Su'a Willaim Sio MP, Madam Chair Mangere Otahuhu Council  Lemauga Lydia Sosene, Principal Mike, Trainer Linda Wirjapranata and more whanau!

When I arrived at the school hall, Friday night, I was met by a flurry of activity in three different rooms preparing for the celebration.  The shopping had arrived, the food was arriving and the trainer had departed!  (home to change).  Principal Mike was standing in the middle of all the comings and goings admiring the packages our whanau were about to receive.  I stood there admiring the exceptionally great looking packages too.

Trainer Linda Wirjapranata is a graduate from a CIH project hosted by St Joseph's School in Onehunga.  Her lovely husband, Peter, is now part of the staff at St Mary Mackillop.  What an endorsement to have them share about the quality of their computer that still goes and has stood the test of time and children!  Through this family - we were invited into the St Mary McKillop whanau.

Sharing the night were leaders from the community and long time supporters of CIH in Mangere.  We have new friendships in the school trustees and staff now, not to mention the 23 graduates and their whanau.

One of the highlights for me was seeing 23 computers disappearing out the door into the family car BEFORE the celebration meal.  Usually whanau are relieved that the formalities are over and it's just time to enjoy fellowship.  Nope.  Not these guys.  The excitement level was high!  

Thank you for an amazing night St Mary Mckillop graduates - ohhhhhh and that banquet set me back a month in gym work!  Be the mentors and confident guides that you have spoken about and enjoy your packages.

Roscommon Graduate and Shine

Remember how I said to watch this space on the Roscommon School Training sessions?  Well ... here it is!  The graduation of the wonderful whanau from Roscommon School intake under the tutelage of Sarah 'Awesome' Ennor and Deputy Principal Christine Patea.

The graduation was embraced by the school wholeheartedly and planned as a 'first event of the day' for the school.  The morning began with the graduates and guests assembling outside the hall to be welcomed in an official powhiri.  How wonderful to be exhorted in such a way!

Parents/caregivers were treated to a beautifully decorated hall and dining areas.  Sarah and her crew of young people had spent quite a while getting everything just right.  A full hangi was cooking near the staff room and other dishes were being carried past us.  Quite the distraction.

Many guests had arrived to support the celebration - many thanks to Dr Jocelyn Williams (Auckland Steering Group), Councillor Calum Penrose and local kaumatua.

One of the highlights of the morning were the powerpoints created by students. A total of 193 slides that had the recurring theme of ‘Family’ and ‘Gratitude for new opportunities’, that says alot about the awesome parents/caregivers at Roscommon.

Enjoy their show!


ROSCOMMON SCHOOL SHINE on PhotoPeach
   

A WHIRLWIND OF GRADUATIONS - 2015 CIH CELEBRATIONS!

If you were wondering about the silence and the echoes around the blog ... I'm just dusting it off and bringing in all the celebratory news from around the region.

2015 was a fantastic year for CIH Auckland.  Over 200 whanau participants graduated and became the proud owners of digital skills, a new relationship with their school AND, as a bonus, a computer or laptop to call their own. 

Definitely worth a song and dance!  I was over to the left sharing love with the graduation cake - this little clip was sent to me via our ninja Principal of Mansell Senior School - Rebecca KauKau.  

Mansell School are on the move and amazing supporters of the CIH programme.  So much so that they have gone on to host two more intakes.

The celebrations that night included a film crew from TV One's Tagata Pasifika and Sports Legend guest speaker - To'aletai David Tua.

The hall was packed and the atmosphere was pure excitement.  The highlight of the night occurred before To'aletai David Tua's early departure, he unfortunately was heavily booked around Auckland.  We requested a 'team photo' to which he happily obliged.  I tell you, it had to be the FASTEST gathering for selfies ever!  

Thank you also to supporters National MP Judith Collins (she could not attend but sent a video message) and Labour MP Jerome Mika (Board Trustee). 

Please enjoy the album :)

Mansell Senior School Graduating Class of May 2015 with To'aletai David Tua

Mansell Senior Making Moves! on PhotoPeach

Te Kaea - Maori TV News Item

Kea Te Kani - CIH Graduate Mansell Senior School

What a wild moment!  Appearing on a well known national television news show 'Te Kaea - Maori News'  AND sharing about a pivotal moment for herself and her whanau.

Well spoken Kea and congratulations on graduating!! Thrilled that you enjoyed a new chapter in continued learning with Computers in Homes. 

Te Kaea film crew with Kea Te Kani as she uses
Skype to catch up with her son in Tauranga

Click here to watch the full interview with Kea Te Kani

WHANAU IN TRAINING AROUND THE AUCKLAND REGION

Preparation by Roscommon School for their whanau

There is always excitement at the different stages of projects as they begin.  Mansell Senior School have had awesome meetings and media focus.

Our other hosting schools in action are Roscommon School - Manurewa, Rosebank School - Avondale and a HUGE number over in Franklin, training through the Pukekohe North School training hub.  Welcome to all of our whanau!

I personally love getting the calls or text messages or photos from our trainers and champions that share the excitement of doing special things for our whanau.  The photo sent in by Sarah Ennor, trainer for Roscommon School, shows the preparation of kits for whanau to keep their resources in. You rock Roscommon!  

Many of our CIH team go above and beyond what is needed to assist our students.  I really cannot thank them enough - you are appreciated greatly.

Watch this space for updates on their graduations.

 

Mansell Senior School Making Headlines

Papakura Courier Digital Edition



Check out this neat write-up of our upcoming graduates in Papakura - Ka Pai Whanau!

Parents back in the classroom

Mansell Senior School has opened a new space where two community programmes are being run. One is Computers in Homes and the other is family development programme Whanau Ara Mua. Doing some computer skills revision, from left: Naomi Fakapulia with 10-month daughter Inet Matilda Junior, daughter Setaita Fakapulia, Computers atHomefacilitator Tania Manuel, back, student Totua Tiatia Elia and daughter Mereane Tiatia Elia. Photo: TAO LIN

Tiatia Elia Photo: TAO LIN

Mums, dads and even grandparents are all techno-savvy, thanks to a free community computer course run through Mansell Senior School. 

It’s the first time a Papakura school has hosted the nationwide Computers in Homes program and it’s one of two the school is offering in its newly opened ‘‘whanau fono’’ space. 

Principal Rebecca Kaukau says the aim is to get parents more connected with their children’s learning. 

‘‘It’s about getting the parents engaged with the school, to see that learning is for life,’’ she says.

Computer in Homes facilitator Tania Manuel says she’s had a handful of people who had no idea how to even turn on a computer. 

But that’s when the program can help the most because its aim is to teach basic computer skills.

Manuel says it’s important for parents to understand what their children are doing on the computer. 

‘‘In order to make sure their kids are learning at school they need to be aware of what they’re doing by practicing it at home and making sure learning is an on-going thing. 

‘‘If parents are excited about learning they will be able to transfer that learning to their children.’’ Once the adult students complete 20 hours of training, they will finish the course with a free computer, internet access and technical advice for a year. 

Papakura mum-of-six Hine Bills is one of 25 students enrolled in the course. 

Before she started, she had no idea what a task bar or shortcuts were, let alone how to use the internet or what virus protection was for. She signed up for the course not only to learn new skills but to make her kids proud. 

‘‘I needed it in order to learn what my children were doing on the computer. I’ve got an android phone and they know how to use it better than me,’’ she says. 

‘‘I want them to now look at me as Super Mum outside of home because they only see me with the cape on at home.’’ Bills is also enrolled in the other program at the school, Te Whanau Ara Mua, which is facilitated by the Solomon Group and teaches topics like family relationships, children’s learning, family well being and financial literacy. She’s hoping both programs will also help her get back into the workforce. 

❚ Places are still available on both these programs, which are open to members of the local community, including parents of children from other schools in the area. Contact the school on 298 8737.

A Few Snapshots

Computers In Homes Auckland has had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful whanau through our projects, supportive principals and teachers, great BOT members, excellent Auckland Council assistance through the Digital Strategy section plus the encouragement of the Auckland Steering Group through 2014.  As we kick off 2015 - we look forward to meeting even MORE of these snapshot friendly faces.

WOW, WAIKOWHAI SCHOOL!

"The mahi is done!  We're ready to take our computer home!"

Waikowhai School is tucked away in a picturesque corner of Mt Roskill Ten whanau celebrated their 'student' graduating on the 3 November 2014, a lovely Tuesday evening, I might add.

In attendance was Principal Germaine Petersen, BOT Chairperson Michael Wood and Trainer Matt Riceman.  Also in attendance were LOTS of whanau!  How awesome to see them awhi their mums and dad with haka and LOUD rounds of applause.

This graduation shares what many of our Computers In Homes graduates from all over NZ share - an appreciation for great trainers, an appreciation for the new bonds between students and they always confess who the cheeky ones are!

Thank you Waikowhai for enjoying your training so much that you want to do more!  Thank you for celebrating your parents success.  Well done! 

Principal Germaine Petersen offering warm words before the supper and the cutting of the graduation cake.

Principal Germaine, Trainer Matt Riceman and
BOT Chairperson Michael Wood

Graduates Corner: Tote Hemehema

Bayley, Tote and Rhythm Hemehema

Before becoming involved in the Computers in Homes Programme, I must admit, I was a little sceptical. It’s not every day that an amazing opportunity is offered to you. However, upon reflection, it was one of the best decisions I made filling out that application form.

My name is Tote, I am a single parent of two gifted strong children, whom I have always called my cookie monstaz. My daughter Baylie is 14yrs, attends Massey High School and my son Rhythm, is 9yrs, attends Lincoln Heights School in Massey and it was through his school, that we became part of the Computers in Homes Family.

I work as a NZ Sign Language Interpreter and with my job and being so involved in the Deaf Community, I need to have access to the Internet and skype in order to maintain easier contact with everything technical for work and also with Deaf. It can be extremely hard to rely on face to face contact with the Deaf Community, skype makes life so much easier when life is hard enough trying to juggle everything, especially as a single parent. Being an Interpreter is not just my job, its my lifestyle - and what better way to give back than being able to share my voice and my gift of hearing with the Deaf World on a daily basis.

I was blessed with a webcam from Cara on Graduation night. Having a computer at home with access to the internet has enabled me to do my job better, maintain contact with the Deaf Community, allows my monstaz the opportunity to learn more online but has also reawakened their pasison for learning. They ask more questions, they want to know more, they want to excel in school and they’re hungry for knowledge, and knowledge is power. The most amazing part of this journey is that we have been able to spend more quality time together!

Absolutely anything is possible if you believe. I believe it, my monstaz believe it and I will continue encouraging others to believe. I also believe in Computers in Homes. Their organisation has the power to educate families via the internet from home. This not only opens our lives to a world of opportunities with new eyes, it encourages family bonds, the sharing of idea’s, the hunger for learning and the gift of being able to give back.

It’s been an amazing journey with Computers in Homes and I give my sincere thanks and appreciation to Cara and her Team, who on a daily basis, share their magic by showing the world, that ANYTHING, is indeed possible.

THE LATEST OF THE LATEST NEWS!

GRADUATIONS GALORE!

Where do I begin?!

Extra funding

Auckland received an early Christmas present in the latter part of 2013 of additional funding to help MORE whanau train and become the proud owners of a computer.  How many whanau you say?  An extra 75 whanau!  Overall Auckland has graduated 200 plus extra whanau for the year 2013-14.  No mean feat but we have a long way to go.

Koru School

The first graduation to kick off our July rush was the very musical Koru School.  Music permeated almost every aspect of the graduation from the entrance to the final wave as the last computer headed off to its new residence.  Our guest for the evening was Deputy Leader of the NZ First Party, Tracey Martin.  Our introductions were via theme tunes played for us.  I had 'Best of My Love' and Tracey had 'Got To Be Real'.  (If you click the titles - you can relive those musical moments with us.)   I must brag about the Koru School Band - their rendition of 'Proud Mary' was foot stomping good stuff.  I love that so many of the tamariki had an item to share to celebrate mum and dad's success.

Congratulations Koru School Graduates

Celebrating with NZ /First MP Tracey Martin

GRADUATIONS AND CONGRATULATIONS

Proud graduate and BFF support - Pomaria School

What a rush as the rest of our projects graduated and whanau gathered excitedly to share in the success of each student.  Our trainers were widely acknowledged for their efforts and above all their patience in ensuring that all of our participants met the project requirements - sometimes it's just not that easy BUT congratulations to our whanau on persevering.  Thank you to our trainers:  Fea Lyons and Kathryn Eltringham (Avondale Intermediate), Dorothy Stewart (Birdwood School and Lincoln Heights), Jacqui Edwards (Pomaria School) and Maria Orr (Royal Road School).  

Avondale Intermediate

Sharing a thumbs up with trainer Maria Orr - Royal Road School

Proud whanau of Mary Theresa Kershaw - Avondale Intermediate

Working Out West

Principals GALORE!  Royal Road Meeting -
 Mike Carswell-Griffiths, Wayne Leighton, Kevin Choromanski, Debbie Waikato and to the right - Joanne Hardwidge

We decided to work with our West and Central Auckland schools, welcoming aboard - Avondale Intermediate (early in Term 2), Birdwood School, Royal Road School, Pomaria School and Lincoln Heights.

The enthusiasm is contagious as is the cheek given by the guy pointing at everyone else.

Most of these schools are also Community Hub hosts - they welcome their communities in and now have the added extra of a computer pod to deliver computer training courses, beginning with Computers in Homes to the many families in waiting.

Whanau evenings will be booked soon and I am looking forward to the new roads being finished out their way along with the UFB fibre being completed.  The roadworks are INCREDIBLE when you are heading out that way!

Watch this space :)   

SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES - Shwe Family

Earlier this year in January - the holiday season and a time when families are relaxing before the onset of the school year - the Shwe family of Papatoetoe were doing just that.  Their holidays were 'interrupted' by the opportunistic theft of their home while everyone was out.  You can read their story here.

Two of the Shwe children attend Aorere College.  On hearing about the incident concerning the Shwe family, Principal Pat Drumm asked me if there was any way we could help these students continue their studies and homework with a computer.  We were more than happy to support Aorere College, a host of CIH graduates, and donate a desktop set up for the Shwe family.  

We met with the family and the senior school at a school assembly.  They were presented with their computer package and free training in our Stepping Up programme.  The family were humbled by the school's compassion for their situation and responded with big smiles for Computers in Homes.

Well done Aorere!

 The Shwe Family with Deputy Principal Lynne van Etten, Aorere College.

WE'VE GONE WEST! COLWILL SCHOOL JOIN CIH!

Heading out to West Auckland was a sudden thing!  One of the schools was unable to begin and graduate their project before the end of our CIH year.  A phone call with Principal Rob Taylor, after a referral from one of our Steering Group members, lead to a whirlwind of acceptance and a flurry of papers being exchanged through the scanner and emails!

Rob leads Colwill School out in Massey and opens the door to Computers in Homes in that area.  This is one of the schools that is part of the 'Dental Hub - Community Hub' projects.  Remember those little dental clinics where we would take the long 'walk to the murderhouse' back in the days? ... yes, well ... good news! These buildings are being renovated and refurbished to become community training hubs for different programmes.  Colwill's Community Hub was complete by the time the project began in Term 2.

Brandon and I attended a Whanau Evening near the end of June - meeting a group of parents from Colwill and West Harbour School.  The BOT Chairperson Maggie Scelly was subtly coerced into being the trainer and Taylor Oades, the schools resident IT, became an assisting trainer.  They weren't left alone in this!  They were joined by the very hardcase Community Hub co-ordinator, Nicky Adams.

Graduation night rolled round on July 31 - capping the end of another successful year for Computers in Homes in Tamaki Rakau.  Thank you for the wonderful tautokos that absolutely lifted the project beyond computers.  Thank you for recognising the worth of relationships in your school and the community spirit that has drawn you all together to pursue more for yourselves and your whanau.

Stepping Up will be rolling out very soon and taking digital literacy to our senior community :)  Keep up the GREAT work Colwill!

OUT WEST WITH COLWILL on PhotoPeach

And a big thanks to Margaret for letting me take this shot for the blog ... 

"Over at last but so worth it"

OWAIRAKA DISTRICT SCHOOL CELEBRATE

If you haven't heard of Owairaka District School ... WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!  

I first met Principal Diana Tregoweth and BOT Trustee/Trainer Saga Frost at a CIH Presentation, held at Avondale Intermediate early in the year.  Before the end of the presentation they had indicated their interest in the project.  

It took a wee while to kick start the project out at Owairaka - they had a refurbishment project underway. However, as soon as we could, we hosted our Whanau evening at the school and it was very well attended. 
I love the rapport this school has built with its whanau.  There was lighthearted joking and many questions. There was a wonderful feeling of 'unity' in the room and so easily explained with the school's creed:  I can do it, you can do it and together we can achieve our goals.

Parents that participated in the Computers in Homes course also participated in Book of the Week by reading to a class within the school.  This was then recorded via digital media and became part of the graduation media presentation.  An excellent way for our whanau to use different forms of digital devices and report back!  

Graduation night was a splash of colour and lavishly set tables.  We were delighted to have Minister Jo Goodhew present, along with Di, to share encouragement and commendations through their kind words.  Absolutely must commend the Garden to Table programme in the school - the supper served was (for a large part) fresh from the school garden and cooked by student chefs!

Congratulations to our whanau at Owairaka District School.  Thank you Diana and thank you so much Saga - for welcoming us into the school and for continuing to engage our community out there.

Owairaka CIH Graduation 2013 - photo by Cara

Saga Frost, Minister Jo Goodhew and National Director Di Daniels - share an aside as they wait on the next recipient
Photo by Nikki Gemmell

   
  To see more of the photos taken on Graduation Night - please click HERE

MAY ROAD SCHOOL - Make It Happen!

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to introduce the project to our Central Auckland schools.  Amongst the schools selected for the new cluster, was the awesome May Road School!

My first visit there to meet with representatives of three schools, was so warm and welcoming.  Principal Lynda Stuart embodies that very welcoming nature and I am delighted to say - it runs through the school community.

Peter O'Neill was the trainer, and by all accounts, an all-round entertainer!  Thanks to Peter for guiding parents through the digital maze - all the way to graduation.  I have never seen a trainer so spoiled in a graduation!  Congratulations to you Peter.  It's wonderful to see all of our trainers appreciated by their students and their host school.

This co-ordinator had a wonderful surprise in meeting the IT for two schools in the cluster was a friend from way way way back.  The IT is responsible for all of the wonderful photos taken for two graduations.  Thank you to Nikki Gemmell for sharing these memories with Computers In Homes.

By far - my favourite shot - is the proud husband of a graduate offering his sweetheart a place to sit - May Road WIN for the 'Keeping the Romance Alive'.

May Road Outstanding Student - Sevai Tolovae and Trainer Peter O'Neill

To read the rest of the report:  http://www.mayroad.school.nz/computers-in-homes/ 

To see the fantastic photos:  Picasa Album

WHIRLWIND OF PROJECTS BEGINNING AND GRADUATIONS!

[Cough ... choke ... sneeze ... cough]

Apologies for the dustballs and spiderwebs ... it's been so busy in the land of Tamaki Rakau, that I have neglected to roll by here - now, where do I begin?!

One of our 2013 schools, Riverina School, joined our successful projects after being on the waiting list for YEARS.  We are finally hitting Central and West Auckland.  Riverina School just hit the trail running, starting classes almost immediately after initial meetings with Champion Carol Dickinson.  Before you know it - I'm Skyping with students and chatting about Internet and other things.  

Too soon - Graduation Evening arrived at the end of May.  Di Daniels and Brandon the Techie were able to attend along with myself (of course!  I'd never miss a grad!).  We were greeted warmly by Principal Doreen Martin, the face and heart of Riverina.  How excellent to walk in and see the efforts everyone has gone to in acknowledgement of the graduates.  Our students were in graduation hats and the hall was full.  Dance items had been prepared by the schools Cultural group and an amazing video presentation to follow this article.

I love it when our trainers are acknowledged so sincerely by the school, the students and the whanau.  Big thank yous to Rebecca and Amanda.  An extra special thank you to local MP Maurice Williamson and Warrior's legend Reuben Wiki, both of whom sent digital messages for the evening.  

Please watch and enjoy the video presentation courtesy of Riverina School CIH Class of 2013.

QUICK SNICKER ...

They start sooooo early!