Hono Mai, which roughly translates as ‘connect me’, is removing barriers to STEM education by providing qualifying Canterbury students with high-quality digital devices.
Our Impact
To help Greater Christchurch Schools’ Network (GCSN) remove STEM learning barriers, we funded 50 laptops and 50 Chromebooks for their Hono Mai programme.
The Story
For students wanting to study STEM subjects today, the lack of a high-quality, dedicated laptop is a very real a barrier to future opportunities. Students without their own device end up trying to complete assignments on their phone, or have to vie for time on a shared family computer.
That's the challenge the Greater Christchurch Schools’ Network (GCSN) is tackling through Hono Mai, a programme designed to improve digital equity by connecting students with the technology they need to thrive.
GCSN General Manager Dr Gabrielle Wall says the programme has been years in the making.
“We noticed during COVID that many students couldn't fully participate in learning because they simply didn't have the technology at home. Emergency programmes helped, but the problem didn't disappear.”
With support from the Tait Foundation, Hono Mai is now entering its next stage.
A grant of $100,000 will fund 50 laptops and 50 Chromebooks, with every dollar of our grant going directly towards devices. GCSN covers all programme management and administration costs through reserves and other philanthropic funding, ensuring the Foundation's support reaches the students who need it most.
Gabrielle is quick to point out that Hono Mai is about much more than handing out laptops.
"The laptop isn't the outcome. It's the key that unlocks opportunities."
Working closely with schools, students and whānau, GCSN carefully identifies where the devices will have the greatest impact. Success isn't measured by how many laptops are distributed, but by what those laptops enable students to do – whether that's choosing STEM subjects, participating fully in digital learning or pursuing tertiary study.
“We're not measuring success by the number of devices being handed out. We're looking at what those devices are allowing young people to do as a result.”
For Gabrielle, the programme is ultimately about creating a fairer starting point.
"We were seeing really capable, motivated students missing opportunities simply because they didn't have the right technology."
She recalls one Year 13 student who had earned a place at university – the first in his family to do so – but lacked a computer of his own to take with him. By providing him with a laptop, GSCN was able to help him finish high school and begin tertiary study on a more level playing field.
“If you remove that barrier between a young person and their potential future, you've done more than change their ability to learn. You've potentially changed the course of their life.”
The Tait Foundation is proud to support Hono Mai and help ensure that talent and ambition, rather than access to technology, shape the opportunities available to Canterbury's young people.
