April 15 was not only an occasion to celebrate the fact it was raining, after months of drought. It was also the day when 19 parents were officially recognised at Mangonui School, followed by 18 at Umawera, as graduates of the Computers in Homes programme.
No one minded getting damp as they were welcomed to Mangonui School by the senior pupils before heading for a noticeably drier library for the graduation ceremony. Special guests included MPs Mike Sabin (who has children at the school) and Shane Jones (who once had children there), Computers in Homes national co-ordinator Di Daniels, who had travelled from Kapiti, Piripi Moore, from the 2020 Communications Trust, technician Brett Hunter and Far North regional co-ordinator Emma Tracey.
After some engaging words from the guests about the significance of digital literacy in homes and the importance of parents understanding issues of safety around the internet for tamariki, the certificates were presented and everyone settled in for some kai, cake and a chat.
Meanwhile, the impetus will continue next term (starting on Monday) with the introduction of "Stepping UP", free computer training for the wider community, so named because it is a step up from what the Computers in Homes graduates had learned over the previous 10 weeks of training. Topics on offer will range from digital design to home finances and work readiness; the students will vote for what they want, the majority ruling.
Anyone who is interested in taking part at Mangonui, Mangamuka or Tautoro School is welcome to contact Emma, phone (021) 047-6806, email emma.tracey@vodafone.net.nz.
