Computer trainees help remote schools as they learn

Rural and remote schools struggling to maintain computers will soon get help from a government project that will train locals to become computer technicians.

Ten people around the country are set to begin the Community Technicians' Project.

They will be based at a school while they study for an 18-month Diploma in Information and Communications Technology, and will provide computer help to surrounding schools at the same time.

The 10 trainees are in Northland (three), Stratford, Reporoa, Taumarunui, Ohakune, Waipawa, Masterton and Tuatapere.

Associate Education Minister David Benson-Pope said the project was developed in response to the difficulties rural and remote schools faced in getting technical support due to long distances, and the associated travel expenses of those technicians.

Those difficulties acted as a "significant impediment" for schools using computer technology across the curriculum, Mr Benson-Pope said.

"The Community Technicians Project is about removing these types of barriers, which might be preventing schools from gaining the maximum benefit from their computer equipment," he said.

The course is provided by the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, where it was launched by the minister yesterday.

Each technician will receive resources for the work such as laptops, cellphones and high-speed internet access.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)