Published on the 01/10/2015 | Written by Newsdesk
Initiative to get kiwi kids interested in technology launched…
The OMG Tech! not-for-profit education initiative founded by Vend CEO Vaughan Rowsell and Michelle Dickinson has left the launch pad with a stated mission is to open up the world of future tech to every Kiwi kid. Over the next 3 years, the organisation will run a nationwide event series targeting primary and intermediate schools across New Zealand, seeking to reach 16 regions, 30 events, 2000 schools and 200,000 kids.
The events offer a hands-on approach to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills development that complements other initiatives and works with kids, teachers and communities to inspire a new generation of tech wizards and entrepreneurs.
Dickinson said kids love to explore and play and invent and innovate. “It is just part of being a kid, being curious and not knowing any boundaries to imagination. However, the really big ideas that will shape our future are in the heads of our kids and the technology that will enable them to make these dreams reality is still inaccessible to many. OMG Tech! aims to bridge the digital divide and enable all kids to get access to the wonders of technology, in turn helping develop New Zealand’s future digital workforce and creators.”
Rowsell said that as a youngster, he fortunate that his mother fostered and supported an interest in technology. “Not everyone has that chance because while curiosity is innate, opportunity is not. Our hope is that OMG Tech! can create a sense of excitement about what is possible, build a sustainable support network and act as a catalyst for long-term change.”
In a press release, Spark said ‘estimates’ are that 80 percent of jobs in the next decade will require some STEM skills, adding that ‘the need to get kids interested early is evident from the fact that 3 in 5 university students made their decision to study STEM in Intermediate or even earlier’.
The initiative has attracted support organisations including Spark, Huawei, Accenture, Fuji Xerox, Network for Learning (N4L), Vend, Touchcast, Baldwins, Clemenger Group, IAG, Microsoft, Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, Shine, Red Hat, Aurecon, Ericsson, Infosys, Halo Consulting and Office Max.
Spark COO David Havercroft said supporting the initiative was an easy decision. “Technology can and should be a powerful democratising force for all, and our future as a nation depends on how well we make the most of the digital revolution. New Zealand needs a strong and prosperous tech industry, and businesses need more digitally talented New Zealand kids – so inspiring more kids to get into tech is critical for all of us.”
