Sunshine Butterflies IT program ‘Tech Connect’ have been announced as the lucky winners of the ‘Education’ category in the ‘Innovate with NBN’ grants program 2021.
Damon Cavalchini- NBN Community Engagement Manager for the Wide Bay Burnett and Surrounds came to visit Sunshine Butterflies Disability Support Charity this week to present the ‘Innovate with NBN’ trophy to their ‘Tech Connect’ IT program.
Thanks to NBN, Sunshine Butterflies has been able to purchase new laptops as well as branded ‘Tech Connect’ T-shirts which the IT program participants have created themselves.
These laptops were greatly needed in the IT program as the group previously worked off one laptop within the 15-person class. This generous funding has opened up a whole new world of digital opportunities for Sunshine Butterflies members to learn about and be involved in.
Head of NBN Local Queensland, Kylie Lindsay said NBN was proud to support this fantastic social enterprise.
“The TechConnect program is a terrific opportunity to develop confidence with computers and inspires a love for technology,” Ms Lindsay said.
“Covering everything from basic computer skills like writing an email to building websites, the TechConnect program provides a safe environment to learn as well as growing the skills needed for safe social media and website browsing.
“Having seen some of the students’ projects developed using the new computers purchased through the Innovate with NBN grants award only highlights the value and legacy of programs such as this.”
The innovative ‘Tech Connect’ program teaches people living with a disability important life skills such as creating an email account, starting a blog, videography, digital storytelling, robot creation, 3D printing, digital creation and socializing in the digital world.
‘Tech Connect’ provides a space for people of all abilities to connect, share and create online. It has changed the way people living with disability access IT activities forever.
“Especially during the COVID crisis, people suffered from loneliness and having to adapt to the new way of life which has now moved to be more and more online,“ Liam Kenny, Tech Connect Program Coordinator said.
“That’s why in ‘Tech Connect’, we focus on making sure that people living with a disability are equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience to be able to adapt to this new digital way of life.”
CEO and founder of Sunshine Butterflies Leanne Walsh said someone living with a disability could achieve so much if given the proper tools and opportunities.
“The ‘Tech Connect’ program provides just that and has allowed many of our members living with a disability a pathway to participate in IT activities.”
