Greetings from New Zealand: Connected Nation Takes Its Mission International

The team taking part in the Getting Connected New Zealand Outbound Program shortly after arriving in New Zealand.

Whangarei, New Zealand (March 25, 2019) - Connected Nation is taking part in a week-long exchange program dubbed "Getting Connected New Zealand Outbound."  The program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Office of Citizen Exchanges, was organized by World Learning.

World Learning works to equip individuals and institutions to address the world’s most pressing problems through "experiential learning, leadership development, inclusive practices, innovation, and grants management." Connected Nation was invited to attend the New Zealand Outbound Program following its participation last year in an information-sharing event in Washington, D.C. with leaders from around the world.

Throughout this week, Connected Nation's  Vice President of Development and Planning, Chris Pedersen (pictured right, center), will share best practices and innovations  for closing the Digital Divide and demonstrate how public-private partnerships can help communities throughout New Zealand.

Robyn Krock (pictured below) is also taking part in the program. She is a project leader for Food and Ag Economy, 21st Century Workforce, and broadband strategies for Valley Vision and is focused on farm connectivity.

Pedersen gave his first presentation today in Whangarei where he discussed Digital Works, a digital job training and placement program developed by CN. Digital Works focuses on growing a community's economic base by training, placing, and mentoring a workforce. The workshop included an in-depth view of program mechanics. Krock , meanwhile, focused on farm connectivity efforts during her presentation.

The pair will continue their work tomorrow morning in Whangerei when they take part in the Digital Revolution Breakfast. Pedersen will focus on how bridging the Digital Divide can help vulnerable populations, improve digital literacy, and how public-private partnerships can help communities; Krock will discuss how increased access to broadband can help rural communities further education, health, and profitability of farms.

Related Links
March 12, 2019 - Connected Nation Taking its Mission of Digital Inclusion International 

Watch Chris Pedersen's below video which was taken shortly after the team arrived in New Zealand: