In partnership with Computers In Homes (CIH), Ngati Apa ki te Ra To, an iwi at the top of the South Island, has extended its Learning and Development strategy and launched a pilot programme to benefit 10 iwi members and families across Marlborough.
Butch Bradley, Ngati Apa ki te Ra To CEO, says “This pilot programme is another part of our education strategy, Te Whare Mātauranga a Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō and will focus on empowering our iwi members with tools and skills to become active in the online world.
"[It] will also provide children from these families with access to online educational resources from home.
From early June, 10 Ngati Apa ki te Ra To member families will receive 20 hours of free training (two hours per week over 10 weeks), a recycled computer, and 12 months of subsidised internet connectivity and technical support.
The programme will:
- Teach iwi members how to use a computer, and the internet, safely
- Provide a computer, set-up at home, for homework and family use
- Give discounted internet access
- Help students do better at school with reading, writing and arithmetic
- Help parents get more involved in their children's learning
- Provide ongoing support with computer skills development
“This is a chance for families to learn together, students can build on school learning in relevant and meaningful ways, while other whanau members can explore and learn about computers and the internet,” Bradley says.
The iwi has already established a successful Wānanga (a publicly-owned tertiary education) programme that aids cultural revitalisation and provides iwi members with access to a range of learning opportunities.
The iwi also has Literacy - Numeracy and Financial Literacy programmes planned for later this year.