Pansy Wong

National Ethnic Affairs Spokesperson

Friday 21 July 2000

Asian migrants give their IT skills to Sth Auckland school

A group of Asian migrants have decided to get together and use their IT skills to help children at a South Auckland school become computer-literate for the 21st century.

National Ethnic Affairs spokesperson Pansy Wong has welcomed the initiative which is about to get started at Mangere Bridge School, in South Auckland.

"This is a great way for them to make a real contribution to the community in New Zealand. It's also a way for them to acquire local experience that will help them find jobs in New Zealand.

"Many migrants face a real dilemma. They're highly skilled and they have a lot to offer. But to get a job they need to practice their English and build up their local experience.

"This initiative is a brilliant way for them to do that and at the same time show their commitment to New Zealand. The challenge is for us to create opportunities for them to utilise their skills to the fullest.

"Mangere Bridge School's principal Judy Hanna is absolutely delighted to have skilled IT personnel helping the children with their computer skills.

"As an added bonus, two generous donors from the Asian community are contributing computer hardware and software to enable the school to start an IT learning initiative for parents. Children can then communicate and make progress with computer skills with their parents," Mrs Wong said.

* A welcoming function for the volunteers, with dancing, martial arts and singing, will be held at the Manukau Memorial Hall (Domain Road) next to Mangere Bridge School at 2.00pm on Monday 24 July.

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