Success Story

Success Story for Briar Kopa Computers In Homes

Kia ora,

My name is Briar Kopa and I originate from a little place called Matawaia – Kaikohe.  I moved down to Wellington in 2006 where I began working at the Stokes Valley Community House.  From there I became familiar with the community and joined the local Stokes Valley Women’s Rugby Team and the Stokes Valley Netball Team.  Through my bubbly approach to the community, I had been offered a job at the local Marae – Koraunui Marae, where I worked there for 4years and formed a wider profile for myself within the Hutt Valley NGO Community.

Koraunui Marae Manager Heneriata Gemmell has formed a close network with the local Primary Schools, more so Tui Glen School.

I was approached by the Principal of Tui Glen School to become the tutor of Computers In Homes.  I had no idea who or what Computers In Homes was, for me I thought “I’m going to Rarotonga at the end of the year, there goes some putia for my trip”.  I attended the whanau hui in which I met Di Das.  This is where I learnt Computers In Homes is an initiative that targets low decile communities with whanau without access to the internet.  My first thought was “Wow, what an awesome opportunity for these whanau… how can I hook on as a parent”.

Becoming a tutor for Computers In Homes reignited a passion to play an active role within the wider community.  Seeing how sharing my knowledge with a parent of a school and watching her face light up when she could move her mouse around the screen to select the startup menu was priceless.

I was then emailed the vacant position for the Wellington Regional Coordinator from Di Das and thought “this is the job for me!”  I emailed Di my interest, met Naiki (administrator at the time) and Barbara (20/20 Trust Member) and Di for my interview.  I was very nervous as this was my first professional interview but felt so passionate about the cause or initiative behind Computers In Homes whakaaroa and feel that is what pulled me through the interview.

So here I am, the new appointed Wellington Regional Coordinator for Computers In Homes.

WELCOME TAITA COLLEGE

I would like to welcome Taita College Staff and Whanau who will be commencing with the Computers In Homes Programme for 2012.
Networking with Clint Hawk - DP has been brilliant.  I look forward to the coming year, so keep your eyes opened on this space for photos and updates.

WELCOME TO PETONE CENTRAL

I would like to welcome Petone Central School and their whanau as we will be commencing the Computers In Homes Programme in Term 1 2012.

Communicating with Principal Iosua Esera has been a delight and I look forward to networking with Iosua, the staff and the whanau.  Bring on 2012, and keep watching this space for more information.




Commencing: February 17th 2012


First Session: 3.30pm - 5.30pm every Tuesday
Second Session: 6.00pm - 8.00pm every Tuesday
School Champion: Iosua Esera - Principal
Tutor:  Briar Kopa
Technician: Peter Wright

GETTING STARTED WITH BERHAMPORE SCHOOL

We are looking forward to setting the Computers In Homes Programme at Berhampore School.

Alot of low decile schools who are based near major cities or universities, seem to fall into the pockets where they are not seen or heard.  A great example is Berhampore School as this school is based within the vicinity of Wellington City and Universities.

Mark Potter - (Principal of Berhampore School) has been fortunate enough to have spoken with the National Computers In Homes Coordinator Dianne Das where he learnt alot about Computers In Homes thus leading to the commencement of Computers In Homes which will begin in Term 1 2012 School Year.  

I have no doubt that these networks being formed, more schools or educational facilities who fall into these pockets will be showing more interest in this amazing opportunity.

Watch this space for photos and updated information.