It's not always about Kumara in the Kaipara...

My last graduation of 2016 and what a lovely way to round off a great year for Computers in Homes in Te Tai Tokerau.  I often have to pinch myself; I'm so lucky to be involved in an industry where people learn, grow, develop and have fun during the course of the programme.

Term 4 has seen 53 families complete CiH and all in a variety of delivery, device and connectivity methods.  It's been fantastic being able to meet the differing needs of each family this year and I look forward to achieving that even more so in 2017.

On 13 December 2016 though we recognised nine people at Te Roroa Learning Assistance's Dargaville branch.  What a cool bunch of people!  I had so much fun each time I popped over from Whangarei; you're a welcoming bunch of Kiwi's I tell you :)

Congratulations to all Mum's and Dad's who took the time to learn and opted for an internet connection for your home.  I know it'll make a huge difference to not only your kids lives, but to your whanau as a whole.  Thank you Stephanie, Kura, Cyril and LeeAnne from TRLA, you're such a delight to work with and I appreciate all your support.  Here's a few photos acknowledging your day:

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Where the mighty Totara grow tall...

I'm sure I've done a few posts on Totara Grove in the past, but here's the thing, never does the importance of Computers in Homes diminish at this particular school.  Never has the digital equity need been fully met.  There will always be whanau who appreciate the support that CiH offers, not just with regards to hardware, but the knowledge they gain, the friendships they grow and the ease with which they later feel when dealing with the school.

The mighty Totara's grow tall in these here parts, and I not just talking about the trees!  The students at Totara Grove are 100% loyal to their school and whanau - you'll see exactly what I'm talking about in the following slideshow.

Thank you tumuaki Lana Wolfgram and TGS Office Manager/CiH trainer Ngaire Olley - ladies, you are leeegends.  Tonnes of appreciation from myself and 2020 Trust for your ongoing support of our programmes.  Meri Kirihimete and enjoy a well deserved break in the sun!

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A wee East Coast story...

I've been in my coordinating role for over seven years now, and this is just the second time that Whananaki School has been involved in Computers in Homes.  I wish we could deliver to Whananaki every year as I truly love driving out to your magnificent coast.  Unless you've been to Whananaki you can't really fathom the paradise in which this community lives.  

And the people match the place; warm souls with loud laughs, whanau orientated parents who want the best for their tamariki and just good solid down-to-earth people.  Thank you for seeing the importance of digital learning within your children's classroom, thank you for attending and resourcing your home with not only hardware but the knowledge to aide your children's education.  

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you all, now here's a little story as a koha from me.

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The sunny North shines once again - tu meke Te Tai Tokerau!

What a great school Portland is; nestled at the western entrance to Whangarei Harbour, they have the most glorious views and setting in which to learn.  The school families are terrific, so open-hearted and thankful for the gift which is Computers in Homes.  This was felt not only by me but our trainer, Rowena Walters.  Ro' has trained at a number of schools for me now, but this school in particular was a real pleasure.

Thank you to Portland School and more importantly tumuaki, Mr Jodi Edwards.  Thank you for welcoming us into your community and kia ora to the parents for attending and achieving such a lot within the programme.  I know from experience that your tamariki will love the Chromebook and internet connection within their home and I look forward to keeping in touch with you during the next 12 months.  Meri Kirihimete - Merry Christmas!

Noho ora mai rā, nā Sue Kini

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