20/20 Trust welcomes new digital inclusion organisation

20/20 Trust today welcomed the announcement today of a new organisation - Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa (DIAA) – which has been established to help reduce barriers that prevent people from participating in their communities using digital technologies.

“We support the establishment of DIAA, which complements our work and provides a channel for expanding the reach of successful digital inclusion initiatives. We have agreed to transfer our Stepping UP, Spark Jump, and DORA programmes to the new organisation” said Laurence Millar, Executive Director of 20/20 Trust. “We are simplifying our 20/20 operations with a focus on the core programmes of Family Connect, Refugee Connect and Northland Connect, to ensure we are able to respond to the government’s expectations.”

The Government has agreed to establish a contestable fund of $1.0 million for providers to undertake programmes to train digital skills in homes. The fund is a first step in the Coalition Government’s plans in the critical area of digital inclusion.

“We see the opportunity to move to a new operational model that places an increased emphasis on the needs of individual learners and families, to build digital skills in the home” said Mr Millar. “We create each digital inclusion programme from standard options for device, internet connection, training and technical support, using technology to design a personalised programme for each family.”

The new model, which has been piloted in Auckland through the Family Connect programme, will be rolled out across all 20/20 programmes in the coming months.
About the 20/20 Trust

The 20/20 Trust is focused on supporting all New Zealanders to participating in the digital world - for learning, for work and for life. Our mission is to provide leadership and work with communities to deliver programmes that contribute to New Zealanders’ digital literacy, skills and inclusion. We believe every New Zealander should:

1. Have affordable access to digital devices and services so they can learn, communicate, innovate and enhance their lives.
2. Have the basic skills needed to use a digital device and access the internet.
3. Be able to safely transact and engage with businesses and government online as well as with their families and local communities.
4. Be included so no-one is left behind, meaning a focus on disadvantaged groups.
5. Be encouraged to create and publish digital content.

For further information contact
Laurence Millar 021 441 461 laurence.millar@2020.org.nz

ends

© Scoop Media