Change Accelerator graduates empower communities

The three graduates from Vodafone's Change Accelerator programme now have prototype solutions that they will use in practice with youth in their communities.

Mid North Family Support; Anamata Café YOSS; and Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora Alliance Charitable Trust had five weeks to turn tech-based solutions into workable prototypes for their communities Each group had a different focus ranging from domestic violence, mental health and goal-setting.

Mid North Family Support (based in Kerikeri):Completed the first iteration of their Kia Wehikore, Witnessing Family Harm app, the second app of their Keeping Safe series. The game-based app has been designed for health professionals to use to engage rangatahi who are experiencing domestic violence in their family home to identify ways to keep themselves safe.

Anamata Cafe YOSS (based in Taupō):Completed the first iteration of a youth health assessment, utilising HEADSS (Home, Education, Activities, Drugs, Sex and sexuality, Safety) framework, highlighting opportunities for youth to have a say about important aspects of their health. Anamata Café will continue to develop this into a youth-friendly, digital tool to increase engagement and responsiveness for health professionals.

Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora Alliance Charitable Trust (based in Palmerston North): Completed the second iteration of their Te Mauri Moemoeā web app, a game environment for rangatahi, their whānau and community to dream together, achieve together, build stronger connections and experience whānau ora (family health).

Vodafone New Zealand Foundation chair Antony Welton says the Change Accelerator participants showed dedication and commitment to their causes.

"Their innovative ideas come from the unique knowledge they have of the issues facing youth in their regions, and combined with the power of our technology and people throughout the programme, they will return to their communities in an exciting position to drive meaningful social change within their communities.

The groups also took part in a two-week sprint process with 18 Vodafone volunteers and partners, which equals around 1360 hours of volunteer time.

Vodafone Foundation manager Lani Evans says the Foundation is proud to share Vodafone's technology, capabilities and resources with the groups.

"It's exciting to see all of our participants progress their ideas to a point where they have real potential to drive transformational change for youth in their communities.

The Vodafone Foundation has a 10-year strategy to transform the lives of disadvantaged and excluded young people in New Zealand. The Change Accelerator programme is a key part of that vision.

The Foundation aims to ensure all rangatahi have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.