Testimonials

Read about what some of the participants and people in the community say regarding the training and support they received.

Full Name: Reben Maima (female, aged 45) Training Group: Religious Group: FREE Computer Training Comment: When I first heard of this training, I was very interested and excited to come and learn the basics of using a computer.  I came as a member of a group under the category, “Religious Group”.  The training is good for people like me who are computer illiterate and doesn’t know much about computing. The teachings are always clear and very understandable.  The instructor for the free trainings “Basics in Computing” at the ADOC Centre, Mr. Philemon Yalamu teaches and explains well using our common language (Pidgin), which makes it simple and easy for any ordinary people to understand. More than that, the trainer also created free step by step video tutorials on computing basics (in Pidgin) to guide us during our own time.  To complement this training, he also prepared free tutorials on various other computing fields and gave us links to those files as well as providing us with links to useful websites that can help us learn more. Despite limited funding to support this project, a lot of us have gained a lot from the vast basic trainings conducted by Mr. Yalamu at the ADOC Centre, University of Papua New Guinea.  I believe there are potential people and organisations that are willing to support this worthy cause and I appeal for their support in any way possible where necessary to help bridge the digital divide in Papua New Guinea. Full Name: Willie Lua Komilen (male, aged 27) Training Group: Youth Group: FREE Computer Training Comment: I am one of the many people who have attended the Free Computer Trainings conducted by Mr. Yalamu at the APEC Digital Opportunity Center (ADOC) at UPNG. When I came to know about the program, I find it to be very helpful.  I always wish to learn computing and have this hunger to gain some knowledge.  When I first attended, I fitted well though I've left school for some time now.  My impression used to be negative especially underestimating that those who were unemployed or the school drop-outs would have no idea of using a computer.  That was never true and as far as my experience goes, If only equal opportunity is given to those unfortunate to access adequate learning fascilities, they can be able to change.  I thank my trainer, Mr. Philemon for sacrificing his extra time during weekends to impart his knowledge which he had spent money to get, freely to those who are digitally disadvantaged.  Also, thank you to the ADOC Secretariat in Taiwan for providing the fascilities and UPNG for providing the venue. I wish good luck to all who get assistance from Mr. Yalamu. Full Name: Jeffrey Arugani (male, aged 41) Training Group: Men's Group (FREE Computer Training - Community Support) Comment: I am of the older generation leaving me behind in many changes especially ICT However, as the saying goes "Where there's a will, there's always a way".   I don't have a job and even my previous occupation does not involve computers.  I had wished I know how to use computers so I can do things on a computer.  I felt that I'm being left behind when I see my children and their peers ahead of me with computing.   I've also learnt that nothing is free these days and my desire to learn computing would cost me dearly.  I've had needs like sending email to friends within and abroad, and also other needs of using a computer.  I felt cheated, deprived but still had the burning desire to know how to use a computer before my life ends. Rumours went around and soon I confirmed that there is hope to learn computing.  All of this is made possible by the ever tireless and committed efforts of my teacher and trainer Philemon Yalamu with the support of ADOC & UPNG.  There are so much to say and they're all history. I am now able to fullfil most of the dreams I had about using a computer.  Full Name: Ika Kwa (female, aged 29) Training Group: Women's Group Category Comment: I am delighted to share my testimony to others because I’m certain that is what I hope could give a hint to somebody who . Actually, because of financial situations, I did not complete my education.  I stayed home hoping to go back to school but my parents couldn’t afford to pay for the fees until I got married. Since my marriage, I had no chance to go to college or attend any training because I had to concentrate on the affairs of my family. Thankfully, the door opened so I came to know about this computer training at the UPNG ADOC Centre.  While attending this computer training, it really gave me great pleasure to learn new skills that would help me fit into this ever changing technological world.  I’m very happy that it will help me gain confidence in using computers and I hope to be somebody once I acquire adequate knowledge in computing. I would like to express my thank you and appreciation to Mr. Philemon Yalamu for his time and effort in voluntarily managing and imparting his knowledge to this worthy community outreach project.  Thanks also to the University of Papua New Guinea and the ADOC Secretariat in Taiwan for providing the facilities for us to fit into this era. For those who faced situations because there are always opportunities out there which you just have to identify and be part of such as the ICT Trainings at the APEC Digital Opportunity Centre here at the University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby. Full Name: Daniel Managiah (male, aged 28) Training Group: June Valley Youths' FREE Computer Training Comment: I don't know how to use a computer but now I am able to use one like any other computer literate person.  I've attended several of the FREE computer trainings from basic to intermediate.  The training courses are extremely useful and helpful.  More than that, they're designed by an expert and I am grateful and privileged to get this knowledge.  I am not employed nor am I a student.  Despite limitations, I am now able to use a computer.  I have learnt that there is more to just using a computer and that's what has encouraged me to go on further. My trainer, Mr. Yalamu is a very flexible and helpful trainer who has helped so many of us.  I believe, he had trained over 600 of us in 1 year (2011-2012).  He's amazing and very supportive to help impart digital knowledge to the community in his devoted time. I've realized that it is only one man's continuous effort and commitment of his personal time and I wish to assist him impart knowledge to others in the same way.