Young techies tackle digital divide through hands-on learning at Te Kura o Takaro

On Thursday 12 June, students from Te Kura o Takaro took part in a Recycle-A-Device (RAD) session, where they learnt how to safely dismantle laptops, identify and understand key components and work through diagnosing common issues.

The session is part of the only community-based RAD Club in the Manawatū, a partnership with Palmerston North City Library. RAD was created by young people for young people, with a kaupapa of bridging the digital divide, reducing e-waste and helping rangatahi gain valuable real-world skills.

Te Kura o Takaro is a long-time Children's University (CU) partner school, having been part of the programme for four years now.

The workshop was designed to provide both learning and meaningful outcomes, with a set of refurbished laptops worked on by older rangatahi from the Library’s RAD Club, gifted back to the school community. 

Students worked with library staff to run a series of quality checks on the gifted pre-refurbished devices. Once up and running, Massey's Children’s University Programme Coordinator Bettina Anderson supported students to use the refurbished devices to access the CU online portal. The portal is where they can explore self-directed, at-home learning activities supplied by universities from across Australasia. By taking part in the session, students also earnt a stamp in their CU Learning Passport, contributing towards their special graduation ceremony at the end of the year.

Since launching locally in early 2024, the Palmerston North RAD Club has seen over 95 laptops refurbished and donated to members of the community who didn’t previously have a device for study or work. More than 60 rangatahi have taken part in the programme to date, learning practical tech skills and gaining confidence through hands-on participation.

Palmerston North City Library Outreach Coordinator Angela Rae says the hands-on nature of the training benefits those who have struggled in traditional education environments.

“I have seen first-hand the confidence of participants grow over the course of a workshop, or session to session. Feedback from parents/caregivers has been very positive, with a number noting how much their young person has talked with them excitedly about their experience or has grown in confidence.”

The RAD Club aligns closely with the library’s commitment to lifelong learning and Children’s University’s focus on educational experiences outside the classroom.

Te Kura o Takaro Principal Josie Woon says they're privileged to be part of the Children's University programme.

"It's truly opened up so many opportunities and conversations for our tamariki. Our main goal is always to show our ākonga the endless possibilities they can explore throughout their school years, hoping they'll find their passion. This event let them experience something they really enjoyed, and getting to take away a laptop was an amazing bonus! Big thanks to Bettina and the RAD team for having us."