Project background
Save the Children started their Programming the Future program in Regional and remote locations of NSW as they all fall lower than the NSW average of household internet access. Having lower than average access to internet, high youth populations and high unemployment rates creates a ‘digital divide’ similar to social divides common in socio-economically disadvantaged areas.
A larger digital divide is found to lead to less confidence and decreased youth employability.
The project is based on James Dellow’s Digital Theory of Change, developed in the UK, which helps young people through discovering emerging technologies, creating and making, using technology to resolve social issues they have identified and connecting young people with mentors to accelerate their learning. Young people are exposed to vital skill development opportunities including communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.
Save the Children trains community champions and supports them to set up Digital Excellence Hubs in Bathurst and Dubbo, and satellite locations in more remote communities where young people can access technologies and learn new skills.
Project activities
In Term 3 & 4 2018, 2 Digital Excellence Hubs were set up –one in Bathurst and one in Dubbo– where Save the Children delivered 27 training sessions to over 200 Programming the Future 'champions' (people from schools, libraries, community services and community leaders) in communities across regional/remote NSW.
These champions have commenced conducting digital education sessions to 145 young people to date.
Project impact
With the $30,000 from Footprints allowed the Programming the Future team to purchase the necessary technology equipment to run the program including coding, robotics, electronics, virtual reality, augmented reality and 3D modelling/printing equipment.
Programming the Future has sparked an exciting digital awakening in regional/remote communities that previously had little-to-zero- exposure to the positive impact they could achieve with technology.
Prior to Programming the Future many teachers had not included Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) learning into their curriculum. Now a large proportion of teachers involved as Programming the Future champions are using both coding and robotics every week.
Programming the Future has helped establish Bathurst headspace as a leader in emerging technology
Programming and has trained and up skilled Champions from Oberon Library, Bathurst Library, Macquarie Regional Library and the Bathurst Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.
Project feedback
“Programming the Future has given me the opportunity to learn new skills in a variety of digital firsts technologies including VR, AR, Coding, 3D modelling and printing.
Since working with Programming the Future, I have run a coding club for young boys aged 12-14 and am in the process of running an invention club. The coding club gave them the opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence within themselves.”
– Amanda Rohr. Youth Care Coordinator, headspace. Programming the Future Champion.
What next?
The Close the Digital Divide for Youth in Australia is a continuing project with a new term starting in February 2019.
Project Background
Save the Children started their Programming the Future program in regional and remote locations of NSW as they all fall lower than the state average of household internet access. Having lower than average access to internet, high youth populations and high unemployment rates creates a ‘digital divide’ similar to social divides common in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. It's found that a greater the digital divide can lead to lower confidence and decreased youth employability.
The project is based on James Dellow’s Digital Theory of Change, developed in the UK, which steps young people through discovering emerging technologies, creating and making, using technology to resolve social issues they have identified and connecting young people with mentors to accelerate their learning. Young people are exposed to vital skill development opportunities including communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.
Save the Children trains Community Champions and supports them to set up Digital Excellence Hubs in Bathurst and Dubbo, and 5 satellite locations in more remote communities where young people can access technologies and learn new skills.
Project Aims and Objectives
The Save the Children Programming the Future aims and objectives are to ensure:
- Young people are exploring and gaining greater competencies with technologies that will lead to skills including coding, 3D modelling and printing, virtual reality and robotics.
- Young people are using relevant, up to date technology to resolve social issues that impact them in their communities.
- Young people are linked with technology business leaders in their communities.
- Champions have support and are equipped with the skills to teach the weekly program to young people in their own communities creating stronger connections.
- Champions are linked to other local Programming the Future champions, where they will be able to learn, share programming ideas, challenges and successes.
Project Outcomes
The skills children and young people gain through Programming the Future will help them thrive in a world that is dominated by the growth of digital platforms. With technology now so dominant in our life children and young people need to see it as something they can control and they shouldn’t just be the recipients of what others are creating.
Programming the Future will have the following outcomes:
- Young people who are at-risk of disengaging with mainstream education are provided with education and job skills & opportunities.
- Youth employability is increased as skills and competencies learnt are matched with future workforce needs.
- Young people have access to digital technology education.
- Social connectivity between young people and the community is increased and strengthened.
Partners and Community Involvement
Programming the Future is designed to empower local communities to bring about social change; it is a multiagency program some of which are Marathon Health, headspace Bathurst & IMC Foundation. The program has also attracted overwhelmingly positive community involvement from primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions, and local government.
Part of a Larger Strategy
Programming the Future is part of Save the Children’s Strategy Focus 2016-18: Working with disengaged youth, increasing their pathways to education and employment.