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Young minds need opportunities to grow

Bill English

Wellington, July 25, 2017

One of the privileges of being Prime Minister is that I get to meet so many young and ambitious New Zealanders who are filled with confidence for their future.

It is clear when I talk to them that digital technology will play a big part in their lives and careers, and that digital fluency has become an essential life skill.

Digital fluency

When we talk about digital fluency, we do not mean just being able to use technology effectively. Digital fluency is about having the skills and knowledge to become innovative creators of new digital technology.

That has helped New Zealanders shine on the world stage many times over, whether by making movies for Weta Workshop, launching rockets for Rocket Lab, or building boats for The Americas Cup.

And that is something the National-led Government is taking very seriously. We want young New Zealanders to be digitally fluent so they can achieve a life-time of success, and keep New Zealand at the forefront of world-class technology.

To achieve this, we are making the biggest change to our education curriculum in a decade.

$40 million Package

Our Minister of Education Nikki Kaye recently announced a $40 million investment package to ensure that our education system keeps pace with technology and enables our young people to participate fully in an ever-changing economy and society.

This includes funding for the professional development of our teachers, more resources to support digital learning, and significant support for external providers who offer digital learning programmes

It builds on the $700 million investment we have already made in a state-of-the-art digital education infrastructure which includes cabling, wireless technology and the Network for Learning. Through this Managed Network, we are providing state schools with fast, uncapped broadband connections.

Securing the future

We know we need to invest at this level to ensure we’re future proofing our education system and preparing young New Zealanders for the 2020s, the 2030s and beyond.

This National-led Government has a clear vision for a successful education system that ensures all students in all schools and kura across New Zealand will be better prepared to live, flourish and lead in the digital world.

Bill English is Prime Minister of New Zealand. He is seen here talking to students at a primary school in Wellington.

(Picture supplied)

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