20/20 Trust

Family Connect is 20/20’s newest digital inclusion programme, for people who have low or no education qualifications. One in 5 New Zealanders make little or no use of the Internet and, without basic digital skills, are at increasing disadvantage. The programme started in July 2017 in central and south Auckland, in Auckland City, Manukau, Papakura and Waitakere.

Nearly 700 adults with low or no education qualifications are being supported on a year-long digital learning journey, combining training, device, and broadband with an individual goal-focussed approach. Learners complete 10 hours of digital literacy workshops, followed by 20 hours of individual or small group coaching based on Individual Learning Plans.

It is funded by TEC, and is delivered by 20/20’s Auckland team in partnership with local social service and community organisations including schools.

Case study: Family Connect at Panama Road School

One of the first Family Connect groups started at Panama Road School, a small, decile 1 contributing school (Years 1-6) in Mt Wellington, Auckland. Most pupils are of Pacific and Māori descent and the school has a very supportive parent community.

20/20 Trust staff worked with Principal Jane Dodd to create a Whānau room with a hub of computers for the 20/20 Trust, Family Connect programme.

Joint Family Connect goal

In this Family Connect group, three adult learners decided their common Family Connect goal was gaining their driving licence, to assist with family driving runs and for work.

Programme Coordinator Maria Green used Road Code units to build learner confidence and competency with online systems. Working together, the learners helped each other to reduce individual knowledge gaps.

In their last session, Community Police Officer Peter Veukiso discussed how the licence test is completed, with tips on passing the computerised learner licence test. Everyone in the group has now booked to take their learner licence test.

Because “finally I felt I could”

We asked learner Shane, why he had decided to take his licence test: he said he ‘finally felt he could’. Confidence and skills from completing the Family Connect workshops has helped him and the group with solving their problems.

Want more information?

For more information about Family Connect, please contact

Sue West
Auckland Area Manager, 20/20 Trust
027 5469378
sue.west@2020.org.nz