Community initiatives ensure a digital future for local families

A new ICT training programme will begin in Gisborne today, providing free computer and internet training for adult learners.

The programme, 'Stepping UP: ICT for a better future', is an initiative of the 2020 Communications Trust with support from Microsoft's Unlimited Potential programme, and is an extension of the successful Computers in Homes programme.

The programme is open to all adults in Gisborne with basic computer knowledge, providing them with the opportunity to develop their computer and internet skills a step further in areas of direct relevance to their work and life.

"When families complete the Computers in Homes programme, they frequently ask us where they can get more training. We encourage them to enrol with a local tertiary provider but, while some do this, for many others the step into an 18-week formal course is just too big. This is where Stepping UP fits in," said Laurence Zwimpfer of the 2020 Communications Trust.

"We have some great success stories already - people who had been turning down job opportunities because of their fear of computers are now confidently using ICT in the workplace," Mr Zwimpfer continued.

'Stepping UP: ICT for a better future' teaches a range of practical skills for both work and home. From managing finances, enhancing Microsoft skills to accessing services online, participants choose the Digital Steps that suit them. Each Digital Step module takes only two- and-a-half-hours to complete to easily fit in with the learner's lifestyle. People completing four steps receive a certificate of participation.

Stepping UP is being delivered in Gisborne by Regional Coordinator and Trainer, Ivan Lomax and will be conducted in a new Community Technology Centre (CTC) in Kaiti School, Kaiti.

The launch of the Gisborne programme and CTC will take place at Kaiti School, Kaiti, today at 10:30am. The event will be attended by local families who have been involved in Computers in Homes, Gisborne Deputy Mayor Nona Aston, Regional Coordinator Ivan Lomax as well as representatives from the national programme, Di Das and Laurence Zwimpfer.

Also in May, local parents graduate from Computers in Homes. Computers in Homes provides families with computers and the Internet, but more importantly training, skills and support to use computer technology, through their local school.

Parents from 25 families graduated in a ceremony held at Manutuke School on Wednesday 13 May. A further nine families will graduate at Matawai School on Thursday 21 May. The latter graduation will be attended by Deputy Mayor Nona Aston as well as the National and Regional Coordinators for Computers in Homes and Stepping UP, Di Das and Ivan Lomax.

"Digital literacy and smart, connected communities are critical to New Zealand's future and ICT competency is the key. We hope that graduates from Computers in Homes go onto further their learning with Stepping UP," said Regional Coordinator, Ivan Lomax.

"Computers in Homes and Stepping UP fill a gap in ICT training opportunities in our community; we think the focus on practical ICT skills for work and home is going to attract a lot of interest," Mr. Lomax said.