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

One of the more unusual incidents in the life of Computers in Homes coordinator......

Something that you don't see every day!

We traveled to Mangakino to visit the new Computers in Homes class starting there, and were stopped twice by the Police and Armed Defenders Squad.  The car was searched and we were cautioned not to pick up hitchhikers.  See story HERE  

Tutor Andy Gray from Mangakino Area School told us that the school had been in lockdown all day, and he was unsure if any of the parents enrolled in the Computers in Homes class would show up that evening.  He turned out to be right!

Classes in Hawera and Eltham

Taranaki has two Computers in Homes classes currently in training, with both of them graduating soon.

Along with learning to use a computer, these students are concentrating on safety online for them and their families, as well as keeping their computer safe and clear of net nasties.

With the increase in internet scams and the latest ransomware scam doing the rounds at the moment, it's even more important that Computers in Homes families know how to recognise what's harmful teach their children how to protect themselves online.

December = Graduations

Three, to be precise.

This month, 20 people graduated in a lovely ceremony at Central King Country REAP in Taumarunui.

Eight people graduated at Central Plateau REAP in Taupo. This Graduation was a first for me as regional Coordinator - I was unable to attend, so Linda, Jude and I set up a Google Hangout, and I was able to be there virtually.  Apart from seeing some ceiling at times, and missing out the the exceptional food, it was very successful.

Several of the students were able to spend some time one on one with me to talk.

Graduation attendance virtual reality style - Deputy Mayor Rosie Harvey congratulates the Computers in Homes graduates. 

Tomorrow, eight more people will graduate in Hawera.

Worried about Cyberbullying? See what NETSAFE NZ is doing.

Netsafe has launched a new service in New Zealand to help combat increasing levels of cyberbullying.

From November 21st, if you are being bullied or harassed online, or know or suspect someone you know is the victim of cyberbullying, Netsafe provides a free calling service to offer help and advice.

This is great news for parents who are worried about the effects of bullying on their children, particularly online threats.

The free phone number is 0508 NETSAFE.  

Please click on the link to read the full article, published by Netguide.

Netsafe launches new service in fight against cyberbullying

Mobile Wifi device to the rescue!

Recently, a Computers in Homes class was interrupted when the Hawera Star building where classes were being run was closed down after a recent earthquake.  We had two hours to remove everything from the building.

A temporary venue was found, classes were resumed and students graduated on schedule.

However, there was no internet access at the temporary venue.

So Ian Andrew, our Taranaki technician, set up a mobile pod of 11 laptops and sourced a mobile wifi device so students could access the internet and continue their learning.

TP-Link's AC750 (pictured) is able to connect up to 30 devices on the 4G network, and despite some limitations with concrete walls interrupting the signal, it runs surprisingly efficiently.

Data comes from 2degrees' mobile data plan, 12GB for $99.

Graduation at Central Plateau REAP, Taupo

Pania and her children are flanked by Taupo Mayor David Trewavas (right) and Barry Kerr, (left) General Manager for Central Plateau REAP 

Eight Computers in Homes families graduated last Monday night at a bitter-sweet ceremony at Central Plateau Reap.

Everyone was happy to be taking their computers home, but no one was happy that the course was ended and they wouldn't be getting together again on Monday nights.  There were hugs and promises to keep in touch as Graduation progressed, while the kids were just anxious to get home to play on their new laptops or desktop computers!

Mayor David Trewavas popped in briefly to congratulate the graduates and present their certificates, and Barry Kerr, General Manager Central Plateau REAP spoke about how important it is for families to have access to the internet at home.  He said he was lucky to have had a great childhood and was able to complete a good education to help him get ahead in life, but sometimes, other people are not so lucky.  He congratulated the successful graduates for putting in the effort and time to do the Computers in Homes course for their children's benefit.  And, of course, for themselves.

For the first time, we ran a creche alongside the Computers in Homes course, and two remarkable ladies looked after several children while their parents learned how to use a computer.  Some of the parents told me that they would not have been able to complete the course if it wasn't for the creche.

Tutor Jude Sherning said that all of the students put a lot of effort into making a Powerpoint presentation, and several outstanding presentations were shown as part of the Graduation.  Jude recounted how, at the last class, when students were putting final touches on their presentations, all the children came in to show their parents their presentations!  It turns out that the creche ladies were also teaching the kids how to use a computer!  Unfortunately, we didn't get to view the kids' presentations!

Two new CIH courses have been offered at CP REAP for Term Four and registrations are open now.