2011 is going to be another goodie

Happy New Year Everyone!! In 2011, may Information and Communications Technology (ICT) take us speedily along our digital paths towards creating happy, prosperous and sustainable lives for ourselves :-)

We are starting with plenty of enthusiasm to help as many Computers in Homes families/whanau and Stepping UP participants in Whanganui as possible this year. We are geared up to have 125+ families and whanau take part in CIH, plus another 300 Stepping UP learners.

We are very proud of our achievements here in 2010. For our CIH Phase 2 goal to have 150 families and whanau graduate by June 2011, we have got 144. For our Stepping UP programme, our goal was to have 300 learners complete the course, and we have achieved 94% of this, enough to easily better the minimum level of 80% to receive funding.

It is so pleasing to see our programmes are making such a positive difference for the participant families, whanau and learners. Our last two graduations in December 2010 were fantastic celebrations, a true credit to our local Community Technology Centre partners, the Whanganui Learning Centre and the Born and Raised Pasifika Centre.

Here is our Whanganui Learning Centre December CIH class, who were presented with their certificates by our Mayor, Annette Main, and Whanganui MP, Chester Borrows. Included in the photo, at left, are class tutor Ian Jamieson and WCIH Chair, Cr. Sue Westwood. On the right side is Neil Beissel from WINZ. During the celebration we heard the learners’ stories about how having a computer and new skills will help them make more successful lives.

Our programme is so worthwhile and it is really heartening to hear about their experiences.

Click here to view our photos from the Whanganui Learning Centre Graduation Celebration.

Our Graduation Celebration at the Born and Raised Pasifika Centre on 17 December was a very special one, surely the most colourful CiH graduation ever.

Here is the class with Di Das, National CiH Manager on the left and moi at the right. It is such a privilege to work with the Born and Raised Pasifika Centre. They are so enthusiastic to be able to use computers and the internet for the benefit of their Pasifika Fanau. Centre Manager, Hellen Puhi Puhi is a great CiH Champion. We were treated to an amazing Pasifika experience and with fantastic hospitality.

Click here to view more photos from the Born and Raised Pasifika Centre Celebration