CIH Waikato

Crawshaw School

2011-12-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

Sixteen people graduated from Crawshaw on the 16th of December 2011. This is a huge class and we are very proud of all of you for successfully completing the programme so close to Christmas. This class is made up a huge variety of people who all got on extremely well with one another. One individual in the class has been waiting for over a year to be able to have the internet connected. She already had extensive computer knowledge but completed the Computers in Homes course anyway in order to have the opportunity to have the internet connected at her home. She has worked well and has been a huge support person to fellow class mates by sharing her knowledge with them. As the class was so large this was very helpful for trainer Andrea who had her work cut out for her. So a big congratulations to all participants you have done really well! Enjoy your new computers!

Paeroa Central School

2011-12-27T13:57:00.000-08:00

What an awesome success for Paeroa Central school. Eleven people graduated on the 13th of December 2011. With Mayor Julie Hardaker present this was a very special moment for all graduates. Although it was close to the end of the year all participants worked extremely hard in order to have their new computers in time for Christmas. A big thank you to trainers Stalina Collier and Martin Rodley who worked tirelessly to help these graduates finish in time for Christmas. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed you new computers and continue to develop you skills even further.

Ngaruawahia Primary Success Story

2011-12-27T13:51:00.000-08:00

Dedicated mother of six, Raewyn Tarawhiti has made a significant difference in her life through attending the Computers in Homes course with Ngaruawahia Primary School. Through her 11-year-old daughter attending Ngaruawahia Primary, Raewyn was introduced to the programme. Due to her children’s education becoming increasingly more technology oriented, Raewyn felt her lack of knowledge in this area was not beneficial for her children’s learning. So Raewyn signed up as a student in the first programme held at Ngaruawahia Primary in term one of 2011. Her initial response to the idea of attending the course was apprehension. She explained how she was nervous to attend the classes, as her experience with computers was minimal. Before Raewyn began the Computers in Homes course she described herself as a “follower who was happy to sit in the back of a classroom and follow what others were doing.” However throughout the course Raewyn felt herself feeling less apprehensive about participating in the course. Her confidence was growing and she found her skills increasing rapidly. Raewyn described the atmosphere of the classroom to be a great leaning environment. “On the first meeting everyone is all feeling slightly nervous and not too sure what exactly to expect, but once they get going they never want to leave, they enjoy it so much.” This is how Raewyn described her learning in the classroom and also her teaching experience. After she had she then signed up to be a trainer for the second programme being held at Ngaruawahia Primary. By attending the Computers in Home course Raewyn has helped not only herself but also her children. She now understands how to help her children with their homework can look for jobs online as well as keep in contact with family. Raewyn explained how her 11-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son work together with her and learn from each other when accessing the internet from home. The confidence that has been provided to Raewyn through Computers in Homes has been an amazing turn around. Raewyn has successfully grown from ‘following the leader to becoming the leader.’ Overcoming her fears of learning how to operate a computer has been the best thing Raewyn has done for herself and her family.

Te Kura Kaupapa O Te Ara Rima

2011-12-27T12:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the eight individuals who graduated on the 23rd of November 2011. There has been a lot of dedication and hard-work seen throughout the course of the programme. A huge thank you to trainer Melissa Kani who has been the champion of the programme. You have been a fantastic support person for all who were involved and we loved working along side you. We hope that you thoroughly enjoy your new computers and continue to learn new skills on a daily basis.

Te Aroha Graduation

2011-10-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

We were excited to have 10 families graduate from Te Aroha College last week! This was our very first school in Te Aroha and the furtherest we have ever been going in Piako. We look forward to further training at the school and partnerships with the local primary school just across the road.

It was neat to talk with the graduates and hear everything that they had learnt. We had some families who had never turned on a computer before, and for one South American family not only was this their first time, but they had to do it in English.This was a credit to trainer Steven from Piako computers, originally from Scotland, who kept the learners engaged with a great sense of humour and expertise. It was entertaining to hear the stories of new users at the graduation. We will upload a video they have created of the fun times they had in class.

A special thanks to Principal Robin, Deputy Principal Sam and Teacher Troy for their positivity and hard work. After hearing about Computers and Homes in a conference it was exciting to get the project off the ground. Since then we have found personal links with Sam's mother a Stepping Up tutor in Taranaki, and Troy's father in law the principal of a Computer in Homes school some years ago. Its great to see Computers in Homes known so widely.

Ngaruawahia Community House Graduates!

2011-10-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

After several weeks training, 11 more families have graduated from training at Ngaruawahia Community House! They are shown here enjoying a lunch out to celebrate their hard work.

While they have finished this course, it may be difficult for their friends to tell as many in this group are keen to continue learning about computers and have already begun to look for more advanced classes. It was great to hear even the oldest in the group, a Grandmother caring for her mokopuna talk about ways to keep her learning up.

The enthusiasm in this group was truly unmatched. When it came time to set training dates the class were so keen to begin, that they began within the week. Perhaps, their enthusiasm was only matched by their tutor, Shanon, who was flexible enough to also begin so soon.

With 15 families graduating from Ngaruawahia Community House and another 15 families graduating from Ngaurawahia Primary earlier this year, we hope to see a community improving in digital literacy and children improving at school now they have access to the great information made available through computer programmes and the internet.

We look forwards to Ngaruawahia Primary begin training in Term 4.

In the News!

2011-09-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

The last few months have been busy for Computers in Homes in the Waikato. We've been on local TV and in local Radio and here we are at the Human Rights Commission Diversity Awards!

Regional Co-ordinator Rebecca Fraser is shown here with National Di Das accepting a diversity award on behalf of 2020 Communications Trust, the umbrella organisation of both Computers in Homes and Stepping Up. For the whole story go to: http://www.hrc.co.nz/newsletters/on-the-bright-side/2011/09/2020-communications-trust-2/?utm_source=on-the-bright-side&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=September2011

Kawhia School

2011-06-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

Following the success of the first Computers in Homes class in December of 2011, Kawhia was very excited to begin a second group. One of the past graduates said: "I've done a lot of things [since I graduated], I brought a webcam . . . everyone saw what we'd done got so excited"

Unfortunately, not long after the training had begun one of the oldest and most respected Kaumatua in the region passed away. This loss was very difficult for such a close knit community, and many of the Computers in Homes families were either related and grieving or had to drop everything in order to prepare and host the tangi. "The town is like a ghost town", said Karen Bishop a local champion of Computer in Homes who did the training last year and volunteered her time to help this time around.

However, for Trainer Amiria Ratu not completing Computers in Homes training was not even an option. With Karen's support she made herself available during lunchtimes and after school as well as holding the regular classes. She even visited some people individually and encouraged them to prioritize their training. "She is so great", said one participant, "she really encouraged me to do the course".

All the hard work paid off and all 10 families graduated from training on Saturday, 25th June. It was great to see how involved families were with training in Kawhia, several families had more than one parent complete the full training. It was heart-warming to see one woman do the training to give her daughter a head start, and her mother ended up doing the training too.

It was wonderful hearing all the great things that Kawhia School had been involved with since the last graduation in 2010. It was especially great to hear about the initiatives take to invite the community in to make use of the Computer POD provided by Computers in Homes - spreading e-learning throughout the community.

Ngaruawahia Primary School

2011-06-26T16:49:00.001-07:00

On the 17th June, 15 families graduated from Ngaruawahia Primary School. Together with the Ngaruawahia Community House that makes a whopping 30 families in less than six months.

It was fabulous to see the work of the participants on display at the graduation with a wonderful series of PowerPoint displays integrating a range of multi-media. It was exciting to see some people who 12 weeks ago were not confident even turning on a computer show off their newly learnt skills.

Many of the participants had great stories of learning. One of the Dad's worked moving houses and knew everything about connecting cords and setting a computer up but had not actually turned one on. Another family were especially excited about mastering email: “Before, I only knew how to open the email . . . I had to go to the schools librarian for help, I didn’t even know what the password was or why the username was important”. They are all looking forwards to having their computers in their homes and learning more.

We were very lucky to have Di Das (National Computers in Homes Co-ordinator) attend our graduation. She made a speech about the results of Computers in Homes experienced throughout the country and the importance of continuing to learn. Hamilton City Councillor, and local resident, Dave Macpherson also gave a speech about his involvement in Computers in Homes.

Many thanks to the teachers who got involved in training: Principal Whaea Marie, deputy Principal Stevan, Jeanette, Karen, and Alan. Many thanks to IT support from Rod Haereiti too who will continue to have a hands on role ensuring everyone's computer continues to run well for the next six months.

Watch out for a story on the Tawhiti family in the Waikato Times during July

Ngaruawahia Community House

2011-06-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in the last post, we were very excited to begin training in Ngaruawahia and on the 19th May 2011 the first 15 families graduated from the Ngaruawahia Community House.

There was a lovely warm and relaxing atmosphere in the training rooms over the two weeks of intensive training. Healthy light lunches were prepared every day by Trainer Mariana, who made superb leafy and pasta salads along with fresh bread, chicken and other sides. It was great to see that even over lunch, participants didn't take their mind of computers for a moment - swapping stories, finding solutions to small problems, with many sneaking off to get a head-start on the homework or practice email and facebook.

Training on laptops there were some difficulties getting started and some adjusting was needed for those used to larger key-pads, but the warmth and friendliness made overcoming these hiccups no problem at all. It was great to hear from one grand parent who didn't think that he could ever learn to use a laptop at all but soon mastered even the touch pad, after that he though he could even give a web-cam on Skype a go.

Many thanks to IT Technician Rod Haereiti who also volunteered his time to teach a session on Anti-Virus and how to keep your computer safe.

Training in Ngaruawahia

2011-05-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

Training is up and running at the Ngaruawahia Community House with 15 families on board. There is so much support that they've already received the donation of a computer from a member of the community to help the project. We're looking forwards to their graduation later this month.

Ngaruawahia Primary is also gearing up to begin training with another 15 families.

So . . . A very busy month in Ngaruawahia!

New Computers in Homes Trust in the Waikato

2011-05-11T01:20:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months, we've been working hard to set up an independent Charitable Trust in the Waikato.

We've just received our Certificate of Incorporation and so will be up and running in no time. Having an independent Trust gives us many more opportunities and allow us to grow.

Many Thanks to our Trustees: Judy Bowen (Department of Computer Science, University of Waikato),Rebecca Fraser (Link House, Manager), Shane Hobson (Velocity Networks Ltd, Business Development Manager), Dave Macpherson (City Councillor, Blair Morgans (NZ Industry Training Organisation, Training Research Analyst), and Holly Snape (Te Whare Kokonga, Co-ordinator).

Te Riakina and Kawhia School Graduation (DLC Funding)

2011-01-31T16:03:00.000-08:00

Ending a busy year, we held a graduation in Kawhia for 15 families on the 20 Decmeber 2010 - just in time for Christmas. I hope the kids enjoyed the early present!

We were very lucky to enjoy beautiful Kawhia just as summer began. This was such a neat graduation with family, food to share, and a big field for the kids to play around on. Dassin (IT for Hamilton) had a chance to practice his guitar playing skills and was a huge hit, starting off the singing. It ended with an impressive haka by the children.

Some of the parents in this group had never had the chance to learn how to turn a computer on, but now they are so keen they have been coming back for extra lessons. Karen (in the middle) from Te Riakina has been a star and made this happen. As both Trainer and Technician, Karen has also helped liaise with families and Kawhia School.

Computers in Homes have also paid for a pod of 10 computers to be set up in Kawhia School’s library. Getting a place for parents and children to learn and practice computer skills has been a priority of the local Board for some time, and we are glad to help make this happen.

Tokoroa Central School & Strathmore School Graduation (DLC Funding)

2011-01-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

It was great to see Tokoroa Central and Strathmore School team up for training in Tokoroa. 21 families trained together and graduated on the 20 December 2010 with a pot luck feast.

Experienced Trainer, Cara brought a huge amount of skill and dedication to the classroom. Girlie provided additional support. A graduate from Computers in Homes last year, Girlie and is now a member of the School Board and volunteered to help with training for this group. Cara and Girlie brought lots of fun, encouragement and laughter into the class.

Many thanks to Principals Nancy (Tokoroa Central School) and Murray (Strathmore School) for letting this happen in the fourth term when schools are at their busiest and getting ready to close. Both Principals have been absolutely wonderful! Murray stuck up his hand when transport needed and Nancy is a graduate herself of the Computers In Homes Stepping Up programme.

Waikato Migrant Resource Centre - (DLC Funding)

2011-01-31T15:58:00.000-08:00

There is a lot of interest in Computers in Homes from the people who visit the Waikato Migrant Resource Centre. Former-Refugees and Migrants from right around Hamilton city stop in almost daily to register their interest. Parents almost always explain that they need a computer to help their children at school. So we were over the moon when the opportunity to run another class came around, though it was very difficult to choose only 10 families, when a lot of people had been on the waiting list for many months.

Families in this class were from Somali, Chinese, and Colombian backgrounds. There was a lot of fun practicing web-browsing skills looking for recipes to share. 10 families graduated on 16 October 2010.

Shama Ethnic Women's Centre - Second Graduation (DLC Funding)

2011-01-31T15:54:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, Shama delivered a very successful Computers In Homes programme. This Centre provides a very unique opportunity for women to come together and train, in a culturally safe environment. We were very excited to be able to run another class for those who had missed out.

The eight women who attended were all acquaintances through the Centre, making a special atmosphere as everyone helped each other. Suintha (Trainer) enjoyed many laughs with the group.

Te Whare Kokonga, Melville Community House - Second Graduation (DLC Funding)

2011-01-31T15:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks to funding from DIA, through the Digital Literacy Connection initiative we were able to support extra families through the Computers in Homes programme.

First up, was Te Whare Kokonga in Melville who we had worked with once before with a very small group. Holly (Centre Co-ordinator) and Blair (Trainer) were keen to begin and did an amazing job. The meeting room was transformed into a computer suite and training room while childcare was organised in the room next door.

7 families graduated on the 8 October 2010. Parents were very dedicated attending full day workshops for a whole week. This group went well beyond the lesson guidelines and were learning advanced internet techniques.

Shama Hamilton Ethnic Women's Centre

2010-09-28T21:23:00.001-07:00

On the 13th of September 7 families graduated through Computers in Homes and celebrated this with each other and afternoon tea at Shama Hamilton Ethnic Women's Centre. Thanks to Sunitha for running the training. Here are some of their photos.

Three graduations in one

2010-09-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

On the 18th of August, just before Ramadan, we celebrated three graduations at the same time. The first two were participants in Johns and Blairs classes at the Waikato Migrant Resource Centre, and the last was a class that went through the Ministry of Education Refugee programme. These are photos from this great event. A big thank you to our special guests Daphne Bell (City Councillor) Di Das (National Coordinator) and Afat Xiao (Ministry of Education), a big congratulations to the participants and a thank you to our team, Lili-Rose, Blair, John, Dassin and Rebecca

Computer Technician

2010-09-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

The technician that is attached to our project is Dassin. His job is to make sure that your computers are going for the whole time (6 months) that you are part of Computers in Homes. If your computer isn't going, you can let Dassin know either by contacting the person who trained you, or the school or organisation, or by ringing 853 2192 and leaving him a message. Here is a picture of Dassin.

Photos from training

2010-09-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to get these photos from training that took place at the Melville Community House - you can see people using our mobile computer suite - and a little young one that will benefit from having a computer at home when he gets a bit older.

Comments from FAMOUS PEOPLE!!

2010-08-18T18:18:00.001-07:00

Ok, well, I'm exaggerating a little bit about this, but often our MPs and City Councillors say such lovely things about the programme that I thought I would put some of these quotes in. Thank you to all of you who support our programme so well!

Tim Macindoe, National MP, wrote on his Facebook page

Just attended another Computers in Homes graduation ceremony in Melville in my electorate. It's a fantastic programme that enables many families with little or no previous experience of computers to get started. One of the things I really like about the scheme is that kids teach their parents what they learn on computers at school. Thanks Rebecca and Blair for the great work you do to make everything possible!

Sue Moroney, Labour MP, was out of the country for a graduation but emailed to say

Congratulations to the graduates of the very valuable computer in homes programme.
You have shown your love and commitment for your children by investing your time and energy into the successful completion of the programme.
I hope you will enjoy many hours learning and exploring the world with your children through the internet and hope this will be one of many future successes for you and your whanua.
Well done to the participants and tutors.

John Gower, City Councillor, couldn't make a graduation and wrote to say

Could you give them a big congratulations to the folk who are graduating from me. Computers are playing such an important role in the way we do business and also how we run our homes and private affairs– the skills learned will be able to be taken right throughout their lives.

Councillor Maria Westphal, also away during one of our graduations, wrote to comment

Please give the graduands my best wishes and congratulate them on taking this important first step towards what I hope will be a lifetime of learning. We should never stop learning. I hope they will be able to share their skills and enthusiasm to encourage others in the future.

Thanks also to councillors Dave McPherson (who often attends and does dishes at our graduations - someone has to!!) Joe DiMaio and Angela O'Leary, all of whom have been to celebrate our graduates and have said such inspiring things.

Waikato Migrant Resource Centre

2010-08-18T18:12:00.001-07:00

We were very lucky to find a picture of this class in training, taken on a different camera. Here is Bridgette in the training suite at the Waikato Migrant Resource Centre, working hard. The first group of graduates from the Centre graduated on the 25th of July - thanks to trainers John and Blair and also Lili-Rose who led this graduation. Well done team!

Te Whare Kokonga

2010-08-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

This programme ran during the second week of the school holidays in July, every day for 4 hours a day. Again, we don't have photos for this but we asked participants for a little blurb about themselves and so hopefully this can draw a mental picture for you! Names have been changed for these people!

Bob is a single father raising his two boys (7 and 10ish). He works full time but still finds it difficult to afford anything but the basics for the kids. He has taken time off work to do this course because he thinks it will be of such a huge benefit to his boys and their education.

Jodie is a single mother of a teenage girl and a 5 year old boy. She works part time also but again struggles to afford any more than the basics. She is hoping both her children will benefit from having a computer in their home.

Jill has 5 kids and wants her children to be able to use a computer for their school work. She has no computer skills at present and is hoping the class will help her so she can better support her children on the computer.

Betty is hoping to explore her ancestral history on the computer. She also wants her children to have access to a computer for their school work. She is excited about the idea of being able to travel the world while sitting in your seat.

Does this sound familiar? These stories are so similar to many of our participants. Thanks for your support, Holly (Coordinator of Te Whare Kokonga) and Blair (Trainer). We were very lucky in this course, to be able to provide lunch for participants as well, all down to Holly's work in the kitchen.

Busy week!

2010-08-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

The first week in July was a busy one, with a further graduation on Saturday the 3rd of July. Unfortunately there are no photos of these graduates as my camera went missing at the end of July, losing all the photos I hadn't yet downloaded! Instead I can tell you that Melville Primary school has been fantastic to work with. The training facilities at the school are not large and the trainees worked on a mix of laptops and desktop computers, in the school library. The school has been so supportive of the programme and principal Dianne Pollard and trainer, Avrill Haultain clearly care very deeply about the school community. These participants were a pleasure to talk to at the graduation.

Frankton School Graduation

2010-08-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Not to be outdone by the other schools, Frankton School graduated its first group of Computers in Homes people on the 1st of July. Here is a group picture of the graduates and another of Councillor Dave McPherson talking to them about when he was involved in training people how to use computers - on a mobile bus!! Thanks for coming along Dave.

In the last picture you can see young Tama Peke and the computer he is looking forward to getting home.

Stepping Up at Tokoroa

2010-08-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

The first graduates from Waikato Computers in Homes - those keen folk in Tokoroa - have begun an extension programme of Stepping Up! No photos as yet, but we're definitely behind you all the way as you continue your learning in computers.

New Funding

2010-08-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

Computers in Homes is recieving some new funding from government to continue our great work making sure that everyone in New Zealand has the chance to be digitally connected. Many of the participants who talk to me at graduations talk about how Computers in Homes provides an opportunity that they would otherwise not have had. This photo is of the Computers in Homes national team with Bill English at the announcement of the funding.

Ngapuke Graduation

2010-08-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

On a freezing night in Taumaranui (June 8), students gathered to celebrate their achievement with Computers in Homes. Congratulations to those parents at Ngapuke Primary School and to their dedicated teachers These pictures are of the gorgeous graduating class and their beautiful computers, and another of me and the Principal, Nuku Wallace chatting after the ceremony part of the evening. It is great to have Taumaranui become part of the Waikato CIH family.

Melville Primary School

2010-07-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

In this photo you will see the first 7 graduates of Melville Primary School recieving their computers at graduation. They graduated on the 29th of May, 2010 and were congratulated and celebrated by MP Tim Macindoe and City Councillors Dave McPherson and Joe DiMaio. 2nd from the right you will see Steve Munro, who was also the subject of a newspaper article about how Computers in Homes is moving him into this century - Good on you Steve!

Shama graduation

2010-06-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

8 families graduated from the Computers in Homes programme at Shama Hamilton Ethnic Women's Centre on the 19th of May, 2010. Shama is a great community organisation that provides support for ethnic women living in Hamilton. You can access the Shama website at

Hamilton City Councillor Maria Westphal attended this graduation and spoke about the importance of the programme for low income families. Congratulations to all graduates.

Steering Group Meeting

2010-03-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

Another Steering Group meeting was held on the 22nd of March, 2010. Janet and Holly remain committed to the steering group and to strengthening Computers in Homes in the Waikato, and have been joined by Zinai Siviter and Michele Mason. Our next meeting will be in June this year. Prior to that, the steering group is considering options for establishing Computers in Homes in the Waikato as its own Charitable Trust, to be able to expand the scope for providing disadvantaged families with computers and an internet connection.

Stepping Up

2010-03-28T15:20:00.001-07:00

Stepping Up is a programme that is currently funded by Microsoft in conjunction with 20/20 Communications Trust and allows people who have completed Computers in Homes training (and other beginning computer users) to do Digital Steps of their own choosing. Our first graduate of this in the Waikato was Sihan, pictured here.

Forest Lake School second graduation

2010-03-28T15:07:00.001-07:00

Forest Lake graduated their second group of nine people on the 11th March 2010. Another fantastic graduation from Forest Lake School - and well done to David Sykes, their trainer.

NCCG Meeting Wairoa

2010-03-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

On March the 4th and 5th the National Team of Computers in Homes met at Wairoa for our quarterly meeting. This is an awesome opportunity for us to catch up with what is going on in the rest of the country and to figure out what our best practice is, although it looks different in every community. During the meetings we are online with our laptops and able to share information digitally and verbally almost at the same time - it can be very inspiring to hear other coordinators stories and see their photos.

Very Clever Handiwork!

2010-03-04T15:20:00.000-08:00

One of the cool things that came out of Computers in Homes at Forest Lake was an assignment the class did in 'building' their own computer. Look closely at this harakeke computer and you'll see the screen, hard-drive, keyboard, mouse and even a CD!

Forest Lake School graduations

2010-03-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

On the 2nd March 2010, 10 families graduated from the Computers in Homes course at Forest Lake Primary school. 10 more are to graduate on the 11th of March. Forest Lake Primary School was allocated 20 families to recieve computers in their homes and ran two classes. Special thanks to the trainers, Taniora and David, who provided excellent training and support to students and classes that were a lot of fun. Special thanks also to the principal at the school, Chris Jessop, who was enthusiastic and supportive through the whole programme. The photo pictured is of the graduating class listening carefully at graduation! More photos soon...

Ministry of Education Refugee Families

2010-03-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

The Ministry of Education funds Computers in Homes for families that come from a refugee background. In 2009, 15 families were funded through this course, which povides language support as well as some transport to the training centre for these families. 7 families graduated from this programme on the 19th January. Congratulations to these families. We hope you enjoy your new computers.

Steering Group

2010-03-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

Our first steering group meeting was held on the 18th January 2010. Steering group members at the first meeting were (pictured) Janet Leggett - on the left and Holly Snape - on the right. Janet and Holly come to the steering group with a lot of experience in community work. Since the meeting, we have also been joined by Michele Mason, who adds a good deal of computing and webmaster experience.

A note from Cara

2009-11-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

As first programmes go for Tokoroa Central School—I congratulate each parent/caregiver/whanau member for making the first
Computers In Homes project in Tokoroa (a well known southern dictrict of Hamilton) a success. I take this opportunity to thank your families for their sacrifices in time—especially on weekends when I know most of you wanted to be cleaning and gardening etc.
On a more personal note—thank you all for being part of my Practicum with Literacy Aotearoa—your success is very much my success. By the end of this month I will have achieved my goals in this as well.
Where to now? The world of Information Technology is a fascinating place for you and your families (though not as fascinating as my brainteasers). I hope you will all follow through with continued proficiency in computer use. If I could have handed out NZQA credits—you all would have gained!
Enjoy your ‘new’ computers—I hope they become instrumental in your
personal goals and achievements. To you and your families—I wish you prosperity in all things in the new year approaching.`
~ Cara ~

Well done Tokoroa!!

2009-11-26T12:32:00.000-08:00

Early in September Tokoroa became the southernmost point of the Hamilton CIH super-city! On the 21st of November the first 15 families for this programme graduated from their 20 hours of training. These families did the programme through Tokoroa Central School with fantastic support from the school, in particular Heni Ware, the principal, and Cara Sefuiva, their trainer.

Read Minister Turia's speech

2009-11-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0910/S00479.htm

CIH Waikato Launch

2009-11-26T12:14:00.001-08:00

Computers in Homes was launched in the Waikato on the 29th of October by the Honorable Minister Tariana Turia. Approximately 50 people fitted tightly into the computer suite at the Waikato Migrant Resource Centre and heard from the Minister and from local people involved with the project. It was a fantastic morning launch and a chance for local partners to get together and get excited about the programme rolling out.