What about the rest of the rest of the Pacific? We need to give the rest of the Pacific a chance!
Photos of the Code Avengers project held in Samoa. Opinion Piece By: Anji Naidu-Khan.
Looking out of my office window in central Auckland CBD, I see a bus stop. At certain times it is crowded with commuters who are different, yet so similar. They are different in their looks, fashion, skin color, height etc. But one thing that makes them so similar is what they are doing while waiting for the bus? Connecting with the world digitally! Some are talking on their phones, some surfing the net, researching maybe as my office is not far from the university. Maybe one of them is just topping their bus card or sending money back home. Don’t we live in interesting times? Comfort in few finger clicks. Think of the ideal world we could have if our families back in the Pacific had the same access to technology and digital literacy as we have in New Zealand?
Coming from Fiji, and being in the school system for many years, I have seen the plight of rural schools when it comes to digital literacy. Some schools in the Pacific have one computer for the use of all the students. The Digital Fluency Project by Code Avengers not only helps schools to get access to computers, but it gives an opportunity for teachers and students to learn coding. Certified schools get access to Code Avengers online platform for three Years. In Samoa, the certified schools established an after-school Information and Communications Technology (ICT) club which targets young people to foster an interest in ICT. Such initiatives will enhance the opportunities of young people in ICT career options.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if such programs were not limited to a few countries in the Pacific?
Code Avengers is a leading provider of online coding and digital technologies education. Their Indigitech PacifiCode-Digital Fluency Project focuses on supplying high-quality devices to access online learning platforms, developing teachers’ capabilities through certification programs, implementing ICT in after school programs, increasing participation in ICT education, and developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. https://www.codeavengers.com/
In one of the latest projects in Samoa, they provided professional development to 10 schools on two islands in Samoa. The aim was to address future skills gaps and under-representation of Samoans in country, especially their isolated rural communities and females in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). As part of the program, the schools were provided laptops and the teachers and students who successfully attended the after-school workshop attained certificate authority (CA) license. This pilot program has given an excellent opportunity to teachers in PNG and Samoa.
Access to digital literacy is crucial for rural schools in the Pacific for several compelling reasons. Firstly, in today's rapidly advancing technological era, digital literacy has become an essential skill for students to get access to information and thrive in education and it also increases the chances of future employment opportunities. By equipping rural students with digital skills, they can stay on par with their urban counterparts, breaking the disparity between educational resources. Secondly, digital literacy opens a vast realm of knowledge and information through the internet, enriching their learning experience and broadening their horizons beyond the limitations of traditional resources. Moreover, access to digital tools enhances communication and collaboration among students, teachers, and communities, fostering a more connected and inclusive learning environment. Lastly, digital literacy empowers rural students to be active participants in the global community, enabling them to share their unique perspectives, culture, and challenges while accessing various resources that can address their specific needs effectively.
The work that Code Avengers is doing is the change that we need to see in all the Pacific nations. Their digital fluency program is what is needed by the teachers and students in our rural schools. The whole nation grows when its people are aptly educated. By being digitally literate, individuals can more easily interact with government agencies and access the services they offer online. They can also access vital healthcare information through digital platforms, which can improve their understanding of health issues and lead to better health outcomes. Another very important aspect for the Pacific will be that people can stay informed about disaster preparedness measures, helping them be better prepared for emergencies or natural disasters.
Conclusion
Digital literacy is of utmost importance in the Pacific as it provides access to information, economic opportunities, and education while fostering social connectivity and preserving cultural heritage. It empowers individuals to participate in the digital economy, improves the quality of education, and enables them to stay connected with family and friends. Digital literacy facilitates access to government services, healthcare information, and disaster preparedness measures, promoting overall societal development. It is therefore crucial to ensure that the impact of Code Avengers work extends beyond a few countries.