Engaging Rangatahi in Community Driven Change

Tuesday, 22 November 2016

ENGAGING RANGATAHI IN COMMUNITY DRIVEN CHANGE

South Auckland students are using technology to tell the story of Rheumatic Fever and what it can do to whānau, friends and community.

A group of 25 local rangatahi aged 9-13 years have created a bi-lingual storybook app that takes a fresh approach to communicating key messages about rheumatic fever. In their own words, and to their beat.

The app, called beat.fever, was launched at Southern Cross Campus in Mangere today by Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Associate Minister of Health.

The initiative is part of the rheumatic fever prevention programme for Counties Manukau Health managed by National Hauora Coalition (NHC). NHC Clinical Director Dr Rawiri Jansen says: “The initiative is really about giving voice and ownership to rangatahi – we are really excited to have young people informing the rheumatic fever prevention programme.”

“This is a great story with some talented kids involved in community driven change, in an area where Māori and Pacific communities are most vulnerable. We are keen to spread the word." says Steven Renata CEO Kiwa Digital Ltd.

The free app is now available on the App Store and Google Play.

About Kiwa Digial

Kiwa Digital Ltd is an Auckland based technology company that works with indigenous groups around the world, bringing content to life in digital formats that deepen engagement and understanding. See www.kiwadigital.com.

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