Digital Porirua to Wind Up and E-Learning Porirua Steps Up

Digital Porirua Trust has announced it will be winding up at the end of the month. The Trust's assets and programmes will be picked up by the Porirua City Community IT Educational Trust (E-Learning Porirua).

Community Access Points (CAPs) – digital learning environments originally set up by the Digital Porirua Trust in church halls, marae, community centres and schools across the community – will continue to be managed by E-Learning Porirua.

E-Learning Porirua will also continue to provide free Information Communications and Technology (ICT) training through the Stepping UP programme.

The Digital Porirua Trust was set up four years ago by Porirua City Council, with support from the Porirua business community. Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett says it's time for the Council to step back, and for the community to take over the reins.

'The goal was always to provide a supportive environment for people to explore and learn about ICT,' says Mayor Leggett. 'We've gone a long way towards meeting that goal.'

'Now we're taking the necessary steps for the programmes to continue under their own steam.'

Mayor Leggett has acknowledged the support of the Trustees, and all those who have worked hard for the success of Digital Porirua Trust and its programmes.

"The growth of the community learning environments was also made possible by a $400,000USD Education Grant from Hewlett-Packard, and the Council remains grateful for the foresight and generosity of the company in making the grant," adds Mayor Leggett.

"Their contribution, along with those from Microsoft and the Department of Internal Affairs, will continue to benefit the Porirua community through the Trust's ongoing digital literacy programmes."

ENDS

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