Whangaparāoa College is excited to launch RAD (Recycle a Device) Club, an initiative to support our community to own their own device.

RAD Club already has nearly 30 enthusiastic learners involved! This exciting venture isn't just about fixing computers; it's a dynamic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activity that brings together learners from Year 7 right through to Year 13. Through hands-on experience, these young innovators are gaining invaluable practical skills in diagnostics, problem-solving, and technical repair – skills that are increasingly vital in our digital world. The partnership with RAD (Recycle A Device) adds a powerful layer of social responsibility to this learning. RAD (https://www.recycleadevice.nz/) is a remarkable organisation dedicated to tackling the digital divide by taking unwanted laptops and giving them a new lease of life, ultimately placing them in the hands of those who need them most. Our learners are not only mastering technical skills but also developing empathy and a sense of community impact, understanding how their efforts can make a real difference in someone's life. This club offers a unique opportunity for our learners to engage in meaningful, real-world problem-solving while contributing to a more connected and equitable society. 

Some members recently completed a full-day training session, learning how to take apart laptops, run tests on components and functions, and repair or replace parts. The training was provided by technicians from Remojo, in collaboration with the organisation RAD, and our learners loved it! We held the first after-school clubs this week and are already starting to process laptops!

Half of all refurbished laptops will go to those in need of a device at our school. The rest will go to our community partner, whom we are excited to announce very soon! We will also be sharing more information on how to donate devices and how to get one of our refurbished devices in the very near future.

We are lucky to have awesome staff members supporting this initiative: Angela Perrin, Matt Godfrey, Mai Gomez and Sarah Laycock. If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to Sarah Laycock [email protected]