COMMUNITY PROJECT #405 - THE SHED CODING WĀNANGA
Mission Statement:
To activate the "Universal Constructor" capability of our rangatahi by establishing a grassroots network of garage-based coding clubs that transform digital consumers into sovereign creators.
The Needs Assessment:
Our rangatahi in Te Tai Tokerau are often caught in the "Static Society" trap, where the colonial education system fails to provide a narrative of connection or high-tech success. This project addresses the lack of accessible, culturally grounded pathways into the digital economy, preventing "brain drain" and addressing high NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates.
Core Objectives:
Establish 5 active "Shed" labs in local neighbourhoods within the first six months.
Certify 20 "Digital Tohunga" as peer-mentors capable of teaching Python and AI fundamentals.
Produce 3 functional software tools designed to solve specific local community challenges.
Facilitate 100% participation of at least 50 rangatahi in the initial 12-week wānanga cycle.
Stakeholder Map:
Local Whānau: Providing the "Sheds" (garage spaces) and pastoral support.
Digital Tohunga: Local tech professionals or skilled rangatahi acting as lead mentors.
Iwi/Hapū Authorities: For strategic alignment and potential scholarship funding.
Local Schools: For referral of students who thrive in non-traditional learning environments.
The "Impact" Model:
This initiative is powered by "Social Negentropy." Sustainability is achieved through a peer-to-peer mentoring model where graduates of the wānanga return to teach the next cohort. Initial hardware is sourced through "E-Waste" recovery (repurposed laptops), and the ongoing energy is provided by volunteer mentors and community-shared internet resources.
Engagement Strategy:
We will use a "word-of-mouth" campaign through existing youth networks and social media clips showcasing "Digital Tohunga" in action. Open "Demo Nights" at local marae will allow whānau to see the tangible products their tamariki are building, fostering community pride and buy-in.
Resource Requirements:
5 dry, ventilated garage spaces with basic power.
20 refurbished laptops capable of running VS Code and Python.
High-speed internet connection (Starlink where necessary).
Food and refreshments for wānanga sessions to maintain Mauri.
Timeline of Action:
Week 1: Identify and secure 5 host "Sheds" and initial mentor group.
Week 2: Collect and refurbish donated hardware; set up the GitHub organisation.
Week 3: Launch "Call for Rangatahi" on social media and hold an orientation evening.
Week 4: Official "First Byte" wānanga session and kickoff of the 12-week curriculum.
Mauri Assessment
Te Taiao (Environment): +1 — Reduces e-waste by refurbishing older hardware for rangatahi use.
Te Ahurea (Culture): +2 — Reframes coding as a modern form of whakairo (carving) and navigation, honouring the "Universal Explainer" lineage.
Te Tangata (Social): +2 — Directly combats youth disengagement and builds strong, resilient peer networks in local neighbourhoods.
Te Pūtea (Economic): +2 — Creates a high-value, sovereign tech workforce capable of remote work and local problem-solving.
