Students at Apii Mauke learn touch typing tutored by Vaipunu Ian Tairea of the Mauke Tech Academy (MTAC). VAIPUNU IAN TAIREA/24030838
Vaipunu Ian Tairea, a software developer on the island of Mauke, is excited with the prospect of computer technology becoming the biggest employment opportunity for the Cook Islands, especially the Pa Enua.
“Our dream is to see the mapu (youth) of the Cook
Islands earning top dollars from overseas without having to leave their island
communities,” said Tairea.
“I’m motivated to serve our beautiful people, and do
my part to help the next generation reach their full potential, and live lives
full of purpose and passion.”
Tairea is a software developer and is currently
running a digital literacy programme through his Mauke Tech Academy (MTAC) for
the junior students of Apii Mauke.
The programme includes touch typing, searching the
internet for information, and graphic design, as well as a future programme
planned on filmmaking.
Tairea said the senior students of Apii Mauke are presently
working through a 3D Modelling course “that was put together in collaboration
with our recently passed brother, Mii Taokia”.
“We have also been running night-class workshops for
the adults on Thursday nights with our first workshop series teaching CAD
(Computer-aided design) to design a shed.”
Tairea was born in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and has
worked as a technologist and educator in New Zealand for the past 20+ years.
“It has always been a dream of mine to teach
technology skills to our people in the Cook Islands,” he said.
Tairea fulfilled his dream and, in 2022, relocated to
Mauke with his father, also named Vaipunu Tairea.
He started off teaching digital technologies to the
tamariki (children) at Apii Mauke.
“At first we were limited in what we could teach due
to a lack of suitable computer equipment and internet infrastructure at the
school,” he said.
“But after a year of determination and God’s blessings
we received a donation of used (but high-spec) laptops from a tech company in New
Zealand and sponsorship of Starlink internet from a generous donor.”
With this equipment and the use of a spare classroom
at Apii Mauke, they were equipped with everything they needed to run
high-quality digital technology educational programmes.
On December 18, 2023, Mauke Tech Academy opened with a
blessing, dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony supported by its community.
Currently, MTAC is experimenting with different days,
times, and courses to find the best fit for the Mauke community.
“MTAC programmes will run as long as there is interest.
We will create new courses that will cater to the interests and the needs of
the community, building technical skills and capacity on the island.”
Tairea would like to acknowledge and give special
thanks to Crispin Keith and Education Payroll New Zealand for the donation of
the laptops and Rich Bodo for the sponsorship of the Starlink internet
subscription.
“We also look forward to establishing tech academies on
the other islands in the Pa Enua. Please get in touch if you like to be the
next island for our courses or if you can help us to make this happen,” said
Tairea.
