“When I think about the internet, I think of connection.” 

Before Ciena Jump, getting online wasn’t simple for Elizabeth and her whānau. Her eldest daughter Katalina, in Year 8 at Rowley School, could only access the internet at school or during trips to the local library. But with a newborn at home, heading out in the cold just to use the internet became a real challenge.

So, when the school let families know about the Ciena Jump for Students Fund, Elizabeth didn’t hesitate. A free modem and 210GB of data meant one less barrier, and one big step forward for her daughter’s learning.

Having the internet at home made a huge difference. Katalina could keep up with schoolwork, explore learning websites, and dive into creative things she loved – like story writing, origami tutorials, and typing games that helped her gain confidence.

Elizabeth felt more confident supporting Katalina with her schoolwork. She could search for project ideas, find helpful resources, and stay more involved in her daughter’s learning journey.

Together, they explored new interests – cooking, sport, and fitness. Katalina, a keen netball player, even found drills online that helped grow her skills.

Beyond learning, Ciena Jump helped bring more calm and connection into the home. And perhaps most meaningfully of all, it helped Katalina stay close to the people who matter most to her. With Ciena Jump, she could call and message her dad in Tonga, her grandma and cousins in the US, and whānau across Australia.

“When I think about the internet, I think of connection,” she said.

Stories like this are a reminder that internet access isn’t just about screens and schoolwork – it’s about feeling supported, staying connected, and opening doors for our young people. That’s what the Ciena Jump for Students Fund is all about.