Wairoa based company AFED is billing itself as the Netflix of education content has joined forces with a NZ foundation to release a new youth wellbeing digital game.

AFED has developed Create A Shield which is a classroom resource that gives youngsters a chance to learn key skills as they play through the game online. 

The resource has 180 video lessons and questions, quizzes and rewards across 18 levels.

"The aim is to create an easy-to-use and relevant resource for teachers, parents and iwi groups to help support rangatahi" says the game inventor Cam Swainson-Whaanga.

Children are invited to join quests, answer questions with the aid of video prompts with the goal of collecting Koru as a reward.

Video prompts included in the game.

Modules in the game include hauora (wellbeing), hinengaro (good mental health), building confidence and resilience, and dealing with sadness and depression. It includes a view of life lessons and values, the importance of being connected, and teamwork and mentors.

The game itself has taken six months to develop, and 12 months of filming. Funding was provided by Te Puni Kōkiri through the Rangatahi Suicide Prevention Fund, which support initiatives that improve youth wellbeing and resilience.

Some gameplay snippets from 'Create a Shield', from AFED Education.

Asked how the new digital game has been received Cam says the early beta testing has been a success.

“They especially love the potential to earn more and more koru as you answer each question. Most importantly, they are watching video content they wouldn't normally watch and learn so much.”

Not only has the game been developed locally but the education platform has also been built in Wairoa. The Jean Swainson Foundation teamed up to do the digital development work to create a platform that helps distribute digital educational resources in a gamified way, targeting whānau, home schoolers and schools.

The launch of Create a Shield marks the culmination of other wider initiatives that have helped prime Wairoa as a place for tech businesses to move to.

“Some early pioneers have been training locals after school in coding and game development.” says Cam.

One pioneer is Andrew Hume, director of Curve Technology, who set up the Wairoa ICT (information and communications technology) Club four years ago, which has since gone on to attract over 400 locals.

“We needed a change and to inspire and engage the community around digital employment.

“It’s growing rapidly, and it’s looking like a good way to offer an alternate high paid industry. We need growth industries and that’s what it’s about.”

An example of in-game graphics

Coming across the emerging students while visiting family in the area, Cam relocated his education business from Auckland and has taken on seven local contractors over the last 12 months including two local coders/programmers to make the game as well as four others for concept design and content writing.

Asked about the prospects of the tech industry in Wairoa, Cam is optimistic.

“We can tap into the natural creative spark and cultural knowledge that lies within the community. Locals can stay in town through this type of mahi and then the income is spent in town also. 

“Wairoa is the new silicon valley of Aotearoa!”

Tags

• News