As part of the Government’s strategy to give all New Zealanders the tools to participate in, contribute to and benefit from the digital world, Manaiakalani Education Trust and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa have been offering free Kanorau Digital courses and recently partnered with Pasifika Futures and its vast network to provide digital training to Pacific families.
Pasifika Futures Director of Partnerships, Mr Craig Sionetuato, says the importance of having competent digital literacy, was evident during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
“The lockdowns gave us an insight into the importance of knowing how to use digital devices, like computers and cell phones, which were used to access essential services such as banking, grocery shopping and medication delivery.
With our Pacific families, it was important for them to stay connected to their churches and their families overseas, and the only way to do that was through Zoom or another similar online platform.”
Mr Sionetuato says that individuals who do not have access or don’t know how to use this technology are at a disadvantage.
“It’s important for Pasifika Futures to be part of the Kanorau Digital programme because we want to give our people the confidence to use digital devices and show them that the internet is an important tool.
The Kanorau Digital training supports our Whānau Ora education goals for our families”.
The programme was initiated by Manaiakalani Education Trust after a report by the Department of Internal Affairs found certain groups, such as the disabled, Māori and Pacific, were more likely to be digitally excluded and resulted in a feeling of isolation.
Kanorau (meaning many seeds) Digital is a free six-hour course completed in either one or two days, that teaches people how to navigate websites, use apps on mobile phones and manage online tasks such as sending emails, organising online calendars and use video calling.
This week, Pasifika Futures partners from Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch have started the courses for their matua and other interested Pacific groups.
Business Development Manager at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Mr Leon Tepania, says their partnership with Pasifika Futures is integral because it allows his organisation to reach out and connect to Pacific families.
“One of the challenges that we found was the ability to connect to the communities who needed the training the most.
What Pasifika Futures provides is access to a community where connections and relationships matter. This partnership is critical in providing the opportunity for the Pacific community to do this course. It not only benefits the individual but also their families.”
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Date: Thursday 17 June 2021