This has been a collaborative pilot project between telco Chorus New Zealand and the 20/20 Trust designed to benefit a community in need—to identify and discover connectivity challenges for a community and how current and future digital initiatives can assist learners.
We have successfully concluded a pilot programme involving 20 hours of second-tier digital training for 30 learners in two Northland centres—Whangārei and Kaitaia. Learners received both a 12-month internet connection subsidy as well as devices (like Family Connect).
Eligible learners were those who identified as Māori or Pasifika, aged 18 or over. Learners had to have a basic digital skills and knowledge and reasonable confidence using a digital device.
Programmes Coordinator, Marion Kerepeti-Edwards, has worked alongside local community referral partners and facilitators to ensure this pilot project was successful in supporting learners in the identified Northland areas. Delivery was completed by 26 May 2023.