Reflecting on 2024: Empowering Through Digital Connection
As we wrap up 2024, it’s time to reflect on the incredible impact of our outreach efforts this year and the journeys we’ve shared together. While every year brings its challenges, 2024 reminded us just how vital our mission is in bridging the digital divide for communities across Aotearoa. Our commitment to equipping tamariki, rangatahi and kaiako with digital skills remains unwavering, and this year’s milestones highlight both our progress and the work still to be done.
Amplifying Digital Learning: Ōtautahi Outreach Milestones
This year, through our Ōtautahi Outreach programme, we connected with over 100 dedicated kaiako and reached more than 550 tamariki. Each engagement went beyond mere digital lessons—it fostered a sense of empowerment, ignited curiosity, and laid the groundwork for lifelong digital literacy. Our approach is hands-on and collaborative, enabling kaiako to grow in confidence and bring digital technologies to life for their students.
Stories of transformation have been plentiful. One Year 5/6 teacher shared, "These are the skills that our kids must get to prosper and thrive," reflecting the critical role our work plays in shaping the next generation’s potential. Equally heartwarming was the simple, joyous proclamation of a Year 4/5 student who exclaimed, "You are the best subject at school," a reminder of the joy and excitement our digital programmes bring to young learners. These interactions are more than educational—they’re life-changing.
“These are the skills that our kids must get to prosper and thrive”
Navigating the Challenges and Highlighting RAD’s Impact
Despite our achievements, 2024 presented formidable challenges. Funding constraints and a reduced supply of donated laptops tested our resolve. Economic uncertainty and rising costs in New Zealand further amplified the difficulties faced by many of the communities we serve. Digital equity is inherently tied to broader socio-economic issues; poverty exacerbates the digital divide and limits access to essential technologies. This year, we saw firsthand how economic hardship affects families’ ability to participate fully in the digital world.
Our Recycle A Device (RAD) programme has been a lifeline for many amidst these challenges. By refurbishing and distributing laptops, we’ve empowered countless rangatahi with the tools they need to thrive in education and beyond.
For many of our student refurbishers, the experience has been transformative. An impressive 83% of refurbishers say that learning new tech skills is their favourite part of being in a RAD club, with more than a third seriously considering a career in the tech industry. When asked about their highlights of the year, teacher and student responses were profoundly moving:
“Fixing the computers and being able to give them to my peers who were unable to get one themselves!”
“We were able to help students that didn’t have access to laptops at all in their homes; the smiles and the thankful hearts were priceless.”
Every laptop we place in a learner’s hands changes a life, but the need still outpaces our capacity. This reality underscores the importance of sustained support and continued collaboration to address digital inequity.
Resilience and Hope: Looking Ahead
In the face of challenges, resilience and hope have defined 2024. We’ve seen the power of community come to life through the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of donors, and the passion of our team. Every laptop refurbished, every digi tech lesson delivered, and every child who discovers their potential in tech is a testament to the impact we’re making together.
This year, initiatives like our Code Clubs have gone beyond teaching digital skills—they’ve created environments where tamariki can dream big. One Code Club kaupapa shone through this year, setting aside space for kōhine to explore tech solutions to real-world problems, sharing their learning during TechWeek. Digital equity isn’t just about access; it’s about opening doors to a future full of possibility.
We are immensely grateful to every partner, donor, volunteer, kaiako, and supporter who has walked this path with us. Your commitment to a digitally inclusive future is what makes our work possible. Together, we are building a world where every tamaiti has the opportunity to participate and succeed in the digital age.
As we step into 2025, we ask you to continue standing with us. Whether it’s donating a laptop, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your support is the key to unlocking digital potential for all.