Please note: We are called Christchurch City Libraries and our South Christchurch branch is called South Christchurch Library.

TelstraClear Partnership Boosts Learning Opportunities

TelstraClear has signed a sponsorship deal with the Christchurch City Council and Christchurch City Libraries to provide internet and telecommunication services to the South Learning Centre.

The agreement was last week signed by TelstraClear South Island Manager, Paul Mulder; Christchurch Mayor, Garry Moore and; Christchurch City Libraries Manager, Sue Sutherland.

“We are delighted that TelstraClear has recognised the value that the Learning Centre will provide for the people of South Christchurch,” Sue Sutherland said. “Access to information is key to our learning and prosperity. Information and communications technology is a vital part of making that available. Both TelstraClear and the Christchurch City Council are concerned about the digital divide, and the Centre will provide opportunities for learning for young and old.”

South Learning Centre is part of the new Christchurch City Council complex (cnr Hunter Tce and Colombo St) that will also include the South Library and Beckenham Service Centre. The Learning Centre – the first facility of its kind in New Zealand - is due to open in September. It will have an educational focus during the school day, with community programmes available at other times. Separate access will allow the Centre to be used outside the Library’s hours.

The idea and opportunity for the Centre’s development was born out of the closure of Sydenham School . Building of the South Learning Centre is being funded by the Christchurch City Council as part of the new library. The Ministry of Education is funding the Centre’s operational costs for its first few years. ‘TelstraClear is the first major sponsor to come on board,’ said Sue Sutherland. ‘We are hoping that they will lead the way for others.’

South Christchurch Library, Service Centre and Learning Centre will service about 45,000 South Christchurch residents . The inclusion of facilities such as a café and the library’s weekend hours mean that it is also likely to attract people from outside the area.

ENDS

Caption: Christchurch City Libraries Manager, Sue Sutherland; Christchurch Mayor, Garry Moore and TelstraClear South Island Manager, Paul Mulder link hands to mark the signing of TelstraClear’s sponsorship deal with the Council and Christchurch City Libraries.

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