Fi with some of her Free4U students at the farewell morning tea
A morning tea was held at the Waitākere campus last week to farewell the Free4U Computing programme which has been running at Unitec since 2007, providing free digital upskilling classes to thousands of local adults.
Around 30 current and past students and staff gathered to share kai, thoughts and laughs with Fi Hukui, the course co-ordinator. Fi has headed the programme since its inception and says she’ll take away many fond memories from her time spent with students.
“My role has been fulfilling, rewarding and humbling,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve developed meaningful relationships with dedicated staff, management and incredible, passionate learners.
“Thank you to my colleagues Frances and Anne Walsh and especially to my family and daughters Shivani and Emily who attended our farewell morning tea. The generosity of the gifts, time and kind words are greatly appreciated.”
Many of Fi’s students hadn’t used a computer before they started the Free4U programme, and attribute their new-found skills to Fi’s patience, motivation and teaching methods.
Sixty-six-year-old grandmother Tai Needham says she’s been working since she was 14 but had never learnt digital skills before she started the Free4U programmme.
“The course represented a fantastic opportunity for our generation,” she said. “If you love what you’re doing, you’ll throw everything at it and we needed these new skills in order to find work.
“We owe everything to Fi,” she said.
Fi with student Tai Needham
What a pity there will no more Free4U Programme. Many people have had transformative life journeys because of Free4U courses. Fi and current staff (and Ash Bennett past Prog Leader) do a great service.
Well done Fi, and all the best for the future!
This was such a successful programme and very well run. Students on the programme always spoke highly of the programme and its tutors. I am not sure why it has been stopped it is a real shame. There seems to be a need for this in our community and I hope Te Pukenga put something together for the community to take its place.
Totally agreed with Denise 🙂
I used to provide enrolment support to the Free4U program back in 2010/2011.
Such a great loss. We used to send our English students over to Free 4 U. Go well Fi. Good luck in whatever you do 🙂
So sad to see this go. This programme has contributed so much to the community out West and beyond. Thanks Fi for all that you have done for these students.
Fakaaue lahi mahaki Fi for all your valuable work produced in this space. You have helped many who came through those doors wanting to upskill in using digital technology in its simplest form. It is sad to see you go, but I know there is something bigger out there for you that needs you!
So sad to see this programe end.
I have sent many students to free4u over the years and was proud of Unitec for offering it to many in our community who often are in danger of slipping through the cracks in mainstream Education .Fi you are awesome showing manakitanga to each and every student even when your back was to the wall.
Such a great loss to our wider Henderson community ,I have referred students to free4u for many years and completed the course myself to improve my Exell skills .I was proud of Unitec for offering this course free for all it spoke to our values of Living Te Noho Kotahitanga and Fi you are an awesome example to all, full of Grace and Aroha for all .
Very sad to see this programme close, I believe it truly was a lifeline for so many in the community. I’m personally really sad to see Fi go, she has always been a bright and friendly face at Waitakere campus, who made me feel welcome when I first worked out there. I know she has served our students well with passion and compassion and they will never forget her positive impact on their lives. All the best for your future Fi, ngā mihi me te aroha