RAD celebrates five years empowering youth with digital skills
RAD has marked five years of working with schools and clubs across New Zealand to foster digital skills and support digital equity.
Since its inception, the initiative has provided rangatahi with practical learning opportunities, empowering them to repair and redistribute laptops within their own communities. The programme has maintained a focus on addressing the digital divide through partnerships with schools, community groups and libraries from Kaitaia to Canterbury.
Hands-on learning
Youth participants, known as rangatahi, engage in hands-on training each week to refurbish donated devices. These laptops are then provided to families who require access to technology, helping to bridge barriers to digital participation. Teachers and club coordinators report ongoing benefits for students, highlighting increased self-confidence and new opportunities as consistent outcomes of involvement.
Educators and participants frequently note the development of technical skills through the repair and distribution of laptops as a distinguishing characteristic of the RAD approach. Community partners have echoed these sentiments, citing the everyday impact of the programme as barriers to digital access are reduced for families across Aotearoa.
Reflections from programme leaders
Bronwyn, who has overseen several years of programme development and implementation, spoke about the milestones achieved and the ongoing evolution of RAD. She commented on the initiative's growth and the cumulative effect of its efforts across various communities.
"After guiding five years of milestones and moments that made RAD what it is today, Bronwyn has had a significant impact on programme direction and stewardship. She reflects on the journey and milestones along the way."
The long-term direction of the initiative has increasingly focused on building sustainable frameworks within learning environments, allowing students to transition from learners to trainers within their clubs.
Personal development
For participants like Riley, the programme has offered opportunities for both personal and technical growth. Riley began as a learner and progressed to become a trainer, utilising the skills acquired through RAD to support peers and build confidence. She described her journey within the programme as transformative, offering both professional and personal benefits.
"From learner to trainer, hear how Riley grew her skills, confidence and opportunities through RAD."
Community impact in Christchurch
Recent attention has turned to Christchurch, where several collaboration models demonstrate the integration of RAD within local ecosystems. The Hagley Learning Centre's diverse RAD Club, the Te Aratai Library's family device connectivity initiatives, and Hornby High's student-led projects all illustrate how the approach can vary to meet the needs of different communities. Through these activities, the Christchurch region has become a model of the impact that coordinated partnerships between clubs, schools, and libraries can deliver.
These collaborative efforts support the broader goals of digital equity, emphasising that access to devices is just one aspect. The central mission remains supporting rangatahi in gaining technical skills, facilitating community connections, and ensuring that whānau have the resources to support education and employability.
"These stories remind us: RAD is more than laptops. It's about rangatahi gaining skills, communities connecting, and whānau having the tools to thrive."
Looking ahead
The RAD team remains focused on expanding its reach, continuing to seek contributions of devices, partnerships with organisations, and engagement with additional schools. They encourage donations of laptops, collaboration with funders and education providers, and the sharing of stories to amplify the initiative's impact across Aotearoa.
Highlighting the value of ongoing community involvement, the team stated:
"RAD is ready for its next chapter, and we can't do it alone. Ngā mihi, The RAD team."
