As the tech world brings ever more exciting innovations, a bold new project aims to put rural and isolated young people in the Far North at the cutting edge.

The MOKO Foundation, created by Dr Lance and Tracy O’Sullivan, has been selected as a 2017 Vodafone New Zealand Foundation Extension Partnership programme recipient. It’ll receive $300,000 over three years, and on-going support

That will fund a programme connecting young people in the Far North to the world through digital technology, with a mobile innovation hub travelling into five isolated Far North communities on a weekly basis.

The MOKO Foundation General Manager, Deidre Otene, is passionate about what the programme will offer.

“We’re going to connect young people and families with opportunities that are beyond any expectation that they have had before,” Deidre said.

Vodafone New Zealand Foundation chair, Antony Welton said the project resonated strongly.

“The idea of enabling young people in isolated communities to access fast internet and the latest technology to reach out to the wider global community is what Vodafone stands for. We want all young people to have educational opportunities no matter where they live in New Zealand,” Antony said.

The digital classroom will see staff offer tuition in coding and information technology.

“We’re going to go into those rural communities with vulnerable or isolated young people do training camps, support numeracy and literacy, and explore app design. We’ll also be offering health checks,” Deidre said.

Even before the digital hub officially begins, Deidre is providing an example of what the project can achieve.

As part of Deidre’s Vodafone Foundation World of Difference fellowship, she’s headed to a conference in Alaska to speak on indigenous leadership – and taking two young people to stand alongside her as representatives of The MOKO Foundation.

They’ll also be heading into Silicon Valley, to find exciting examples of what’s possible for young people in the Far North.

“We’re going to be exploring digital design, entrepreneurship, and so they can see inspirational stories about how Facebook was created, and they connect to the world just like Silicon Valley does – it is accessible for them.

“This has the power to change lives. Our goal is to lift education attainment, and then connect young people, children and families with opportunities that will direct them into sustainable employment through IT,” Deidre added.