​OMG Tech! launches mission to get 200,000 Kiwi kids into tech

OMG Tech!, a new initiative to amp up the interest of kiwi kids in technology, is now up and running.

OMG Tech!, a new initiative to amp up the interest of kiwi kids in technology, is now up and running following an official launch at Spark HQ in Auckland this week.

Attended by a host of business, political and tech industry leaders, OMG Tech! is a not-for-profit education initiative founded by Vend CEO Vaughan Rowsell and Dr Michelle Dickinson, aka Nanogirl.

As revealed at the launch, its stated mission is to open up the world of future tech to every Kiwi kid.

To do this, over the next three years OMG Tech! will run a nationwide event series targeting primary and intermediate schools across New Zealand - the goal is to reach 16 regions, 30 events, 2000 schools and 200,000 kids.

As explained by Dr Dickinson, 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.

“Kids love to explore and play and invent and innovate,” Dr Dickinson says. “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.”

For Rowsell, OMG Tech! is targeting a significant issue - there are simply not enough young New Zealanders getting into STEM-based education.

In particular, Rowsell believes there is an acute shortage in terms of female, Maori and Pacifica participation, which is leading to significant skills shortages in the workforce at a time when technology skills will increasingly be needed to help resolve some of New Zealand's biggest challenges.

“As a young New Zealander I was incredibly fortunate my mother fostered and supported my interest in technology,” Rowsell adds.

“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.”

According to Rowsell, estimates are that 80 percent of jobs in the next decade will require some STEM skills with the need to get kids interested early is evident from the fact that three in five university students made their decision to study STEM in Intermediate or even earlier.

The initiative has attracted support from a growing coalition of organisations who see this as an important investment in New Zealand’s digital future.

These include 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, with many more companies pledging their support by the day.

“OMG Tech! aligns with our ambition to unleash the potential in all New Zealanders,” adds David Havercroft, Chief Operating Officer, Spark.

“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.”

At the launch, the total amount of pledges from industry partners and the business community topped $600,000, with more pledges to come, ensuring that OMG Tech! is nationally viable and can get cracking on its mission.

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags sparkOMG Tech!

More about Alcatel-LucentAureconCiscoClemenger GroupFujiHuaweiIAGInfosysLucentMicrosoftOffice MaxRed HatTechnologyXerox

Show Comments
[]