Volunteer Spotlight - Sid Kumar (RAD Kaitiaki)
At Recycle A Device (RAD) we know how important people are to our kaupapa. Without every contribution to its donation, refurbishment and gifting, a laptop wouldn’t live a second life bridging the digital divide.
One of the groups of people whom we don’t spotlight much are our kaitiaki, a group of volunteer stakeholders passionate about digital equity. Recycle A Device operates as a programme under Digital Future Aotearoa’s umbrella however the responsibility falls to these exceptional people to guide and advise the RAD team about the challenges and direction of the RAD kaupapa.
To celebrate National Volunteer Week and honour the support given by the RAD kaitiaki, DFA Programme Manager Kelsey caught up with Sid Kumar, who has been part of RAD since 2020.
Kia ora Sid! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Could you share a bit about your personal journey with technology? When did you first become interested in pursuing a tech career?
Sid Kumar - RAD Kaitiaki
Kia ora Kelsey! Thank you for the opportunity to chat. My fascination with technology began in my childhood. I was always a tinkerer, never hesitating to open up any piece of equipment to explore its inner workings. This curiosity led me to build a makeshift electronics lab at home, with components scattered everywhere, much to my parents' dismay.
I pursued my passion by studying Electronics and Communications Engineering at university. My first job was as a software engineer, but I quickly realised that I was more interested in understanding the hardware side of things. This curiosity about how computers functioned at a deeper level steered me toward a career in IT infrastructure.
That sounds like an excellent way to discover a passion for tech.
What motivated you to get involved with digital equity and the RAD kaupapa?
When I was working at Spark New Zealand a few years ago, I was tasked with designing the replacement programme for our laptops. Faced with the question of what to do with the old laptops, I considered selling them to recover some of the replacement costs. However, I soon noticed that my desktop teams were receiving numerous requests for laptops from schools, clubs, and charities through connected staff members.
“Those with access to devices and suitable connectivity can fully participate in the digital society, while those without are left behind.”
Inspired by these requests, I proposed to Spark's leadership that we provide these laptops to those in need. This initiative quickly gained momentum, with demand growing larger and larger.
Around the same time, the incredible duo Hadi and Owyn were busy forming RAD. Spark Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Spark, got behind RAD. Kate Thomas, who leads Spark Foundation, was aware of my work with laptop recycling and approached me to ask if I would be interested in being a kaitiaki of RAD. I happily accepted as it has been a joy to see RAD grow and address a significant need in our community.
How has volunteering with RAD impacted your own skills or perspective on digital equity and digital technologies education in Aotearoa?
Volunteering with RAD has profoundly impacted my skills and perspective on digital equity and digital technologies education in Aotearoa. To truly understand digital equity, one must experience the stark contrast between inclusion and exclusion. I was fortunate to have access to multiple devices and a high-speed internet connection, which made me initially unaware of the digital divide.
It was during my visits to schools and communities where access to digital devices was limited that I began to grasp the extent of the issue. Seeing firsthand how students and families struggled without adequate technology opened my eyes to the critical need for digital inclusion.
Working with RAD, I've learned to identify and address specific barriers to digital access. My involvement with RAD has heightened my awareness of the broader implications of digital equity.
It has reinforced the importance of advocating for equitable access to digital technologies and education, ensuring that everyone in Aotearoa has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
“Volunteering with RAD has profoundly impacted my skills and perspective on digital equity and digital technologies education in Aotearoa”
Can you describe a memorable moment or milestone you've had while volunteering on the kaitiaki rōpū? How did it impact you?
Every moment I spend with the RAD team and every story I hear leaves a lasting impact on me, motivating me to keep going and do more. One particularly memorable milestone was when I realised how much the awareness of RAD had grown.
In the early days, I often had to explain what RAD was to my colleagues. It felt like a constant effort to spread the word and garner support. However, there was a moment when I noticed a significant shift. At a meeting, several colleagues who I hadn’t personally spoken to about RAD began discussing it excitedly, sharing success stories and expressing their support.
This shift in recognition was incredibly impactful. It made me realise that our efforts were paying off and that RAD was becoming a well-known and respected initiative. It wasn’t just a small project anymore; it was a movement gaining momentum.
This experience reinforced the importance of perseverance and the power of community engagement. Seeing RAD grow from an idea to a widely recognised initiative has been profoundly rewarding. It has strengthened my belief in the value of digital equity and the difference we can make when we come together with a common purpose.
We’re so proud of the steps RAD has supported towards greater digital equity.
What are some challenges you’ve faced being a digital equity champion?
As a digital equity champion, I work across both device access and connectivity aspects. One of the main challenges I face is the rapidly evolving digital landscape. We now live in a highly connected world, a stark contrast to 15-20 years ago. Those with access to devices and suitable connectivity can fully participate in the digital society, while those without are left behind.
The barriers to digital equity are multiple, including economic, age, demographic, and geographic factors. Ensuring digital infrastructure is treated as a fundamental utility—like water or electricity—is crucial. However, the biggest challenge I encounter is creating awareness and understanding of this necessity.
A common objection I face is about the cost and return on investment (ROI). People often question the financial viability of widespread digital infrastructure. To address this, I draw parallels to other public utility infrastructures. For instance, building a road to rural New Zealand costs millions, but its ROI isn’t measured in mere five-year terms. Instead, it’s seen over many years through its contributions to the economy and community development.
By treating digital infrastructure as an essential public good, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive in our digital society.
What is your advice for the first steps for someone towards becoming a digital equity champion in their personal and work life?
My advice for someone looking to become a digital equity champion in their personal and work life is to start by deeply understanding the issue of digital exclusion and inequity.
Some steps you can take:
Experience Exclusion Firsthand: Spend time in communities that lack digital resources.
Educate Yourself: Research the systemic causes of digital inequity. Understand how factors like economic disparity, geography, age, and demographics play a role.
Collaborate and Network: Connect with organisations and individuals already working in the field of digital equity. Join local and national groups focused on digital inclusion.
Take Action: Start small by identifying and addressing digital inequities within your immediate environment. For example, help a local school get access to refurbished devices or organise a community event to teach digital skills.
Once you understand the problem deeply enough, you can come up with solutions that others can’t. Remember, becoming a digital equity champion is a journey. Start with small steps, stay committed, and gradually grow your impact.
Wow - those are powerful steps to create a change! Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us and for volunteering as a RAD kaitiaki. We really value the contributions you make to the RAD kaupapa.