21 June 2011

Student Testimonial - Manu Anaru

“The Computers in Homes course has given me a confidence boost and has helped my children achieve better grades at school

Manu had no knowledge of computers before she started the Computers in Home course – they scared her. However, family and friends recommended the course to her.

For Manu, she had to learn the basics, from how to turn the computer on and what icons meant, and how to use a mouse and keyboard to navigate.

The course was easy to attend as she was able to bring her children, and had time to collect older children from school. A real bonus was receiving a computer to take home upon graduation. This has encouraged Manu to keep using the computer to further develop her skills and confidence. Her children were very excited recently to get jobs as extra’s in a movie thanks to Manu’s skills at searching for jobs on the Internet.

Manu has introduced a rule at home that the children complete their homework before being allowed to play games. Her house has become a magnet for other children to come and use the computer to explore the Internet, and this makes her feel better about her children and parenting skills. Manu is full of ideas for the future, she would encourage all families to attend the programme.

19 June 2011

Student Testimonial - Aime Masters

“It’s like a whole new world at your fingertips!”

Aime Masters has a personality that lights up the room when she talks to you. She is an enthusiastic and positive mother who enrolled on the Computers in Home programme because she realised there was an urgent need to improve her computer skills.

Aime knew that the computer skills she would get from the course; being able to use Microsoft Office and the Internet, would open up huge opportunities for her, not just for seeking work, but also at home. As a mum, being able to help her daughter with her school work (and Aime to keep up with her daughters computer skills) was invaluable!

The computer skills Aime’s learnt from the course have also helped her develop creative skills - for instance she now regularly uses Microsoft Office to design birthday cards and invitations for friends and families.

Talking to Aime today, the thing that really comes through is that for her, to be able to come to the RSA building in Porirua once a week for ten weeks, and finding an encouraging and supportive family orientated environment was crucial to pick up her education and boost her confidence.

And once she has started to grow these skills, you get the impression that nothing will stop her tapping into the wealth of opportunities that the Digital Economy offers.