Overview

The Computers in Homes projects is modeled on a pilot project that the 20/20 Communications Trust launched at Cannons Creek School on the 30th July 2000 and 26th August 2000 at Panmure Bridge School, Auckland.

The 20/20 Communications Trust provided recycled computers, training and technical support to students and families in targeted areas. The project has developed confidence, self-esteem and important life skills in students, parents and families and has promoted positive relationships within the family and community groups while going some way towards bridging the digital divide. The project was developed with the successful Books In Homes as a model. The Books in Homes programme is about breaking the cycle of bookless ness in low socio economic homes.

The experience gained from this work will now be applied to establishing an effective rolling programme of introducing an increasing number of computers into the homes of families that have children at the schools where the new hardware has been installed. The schools will gift their redundant PCs for use in homes where they are adequate specification. Otherwise recycled computers from business or government will be used.

Timeframe and Roll Out Plan

We have developed a timeframe and roll out plan. Following the Trial Phase of the Computers in Schools element of this project that began at Aotea College in February 2002, the organisation of the Computers in Homes project commenced with a pilot stage at Aotea College in March 2002.

This will establish the process of computer allocation to families, the suitable matching of mentors and the continuation of the successful training that has been developed for Cannons Creek School.

The following Mentor Programme Summary and Questionnaire have been taken from the “Guide to being a Mentor”, a comprehensive booklet developed by E-Learning Porirua.

Join our Scheme

The Trustees of E-Learning Porirua would like to encourage you to consider becoming a Mentor to one or more families in our Computers in Homes Project. We feel sure that you will be able to provide enormous benefit to our community. We hope that, at the same time, you will gain some significant benefits in return.

How the Trust choose the Parents

Families who are unemployed and who have no computer in their home will be given precedence.

How do the Families commit

Contracts have been designed between E-Learning Porirua and the parents and caregivers, and between E-Learning Porirua and the children.

How are the Parents and Caregivers trained

The training professionals at Whitireia Polytechnic are responsible for training the parents and caregivers in your families. Parents and caregivers will be trained within their child’s own school environment.

What is involved with being a Mentor and who trains you

So you’re thinking of becoming a mentor? How might you go about it? We would like to invite you to attend group-training sessions with training professionals. These sessions will take place on a regular basis as new mentors join the scheme. The sessions will cover important aspects of becoming a mentor, which, coupled with the technical training you are invited to attend, will equip you in your new role.

What does your Family need to learn

Your family will learn at a speed that is comfortable for them. You can help by guiding them as they develop their skills and experience.

How safe is the Internet and how can you protect your Family

As a mentor you will need to stress Internet safety. We can give you some useful guidelines.

Contact Michael Stevens now, if you want to help with connecting our community.