TALKINGtech Foundation

Making a Difference

The TALKINGtech Foundation is proud to support individuals and organisations who are working to make a difference in our world. Some of the projects we have been involved in so far: 

Indian School Project

After being introduced to the plight of India’s Dalit people it was an obvious choice to get involved and help improve the future of these people. The TALKINGtech Foundation decided to fund the construction of a purpose built school in Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh, India. Dalit's come from the communities which, under the Indian caste system, used to be known as 'Untouchables'. Traditionally they were considered so inherently inferior that the merest contact with them would pollute those of higher caste. Forced to live apart from other communities, Dalit’s were allowed to do only the filthiest and most menial jobs and for thousands of years were denied access to culture and education. Although ‘untouchability’ was declared illegal in 1950 it continues to haunt millions of men, women and children who are trapped in a cycle of poverty and social stigmatisation. The vast majority of India’s 150 million Dalit’s still lack proper housing, medical care, education, and employment prospects. Building work for the school started in December 2009 and was officially opened on 14th February 2011 by Ray Stark, Founder of TALKINGtech.

Incedo 'Tumanawa' Project

The TALKINGtech Foundation made a donation to Incedo towards their 'Tumanawa' project. For the last 4 years at Labour weekend, Incedo Waikato have travelled to the tip of the East Cape to serve the local community of Te Araroa. Incedo is committed to ‘Mission through Service’ and this service to the East Coast has been very successful in motivating young people from around the Waikato to serve generously with their time and resources. The cross cultural experience of serving in a predominately Maori area has been very rewarding - many for the first time staying on a marae and sharing in the Maori cultural worldview. Incedo is committed to developing long-term relationships with communities, finding ways to serve, usually by doing hands-on projects that assist with their development.

McKenzie Centre Anniversary Dinner

The TALKINGtech Foundation was one of the sponsors for the McKenzie Centre - 25th Anniversary Dinner Charity Auction in October 2009. The McKenzie Centre is a licensed Early Childhood Centre and an Accredited Early Intervention Service Provider. They provide a service for children with special needs and their families throughout the greater Hamilton region.

Hukanui Eco Classroom

TALKINGtech Foundation gave a donation to Hukanui Primary School for their eco-classroom project. Hukanui Primary School in Hamilton is the first school in New Zealand to have an ecobuild project designed and run by students. In 2005 work began on the eco-classroom project, and in the 2010 National Green Ribbon Awards Hukanui School won first place in the category for “Community action for the environment: young people”.

The Woolston Family in India

The TALKINGtech Foundation supported Scott and Sharlene Woolston who took their three young children to Delhi, India for 6 months in 2009. They spent their time at the 'Sewa Ashram' - an organisation set up to help the dying and destitute people of Delhi. Whilst they were there, Sharlene, a nurse, treated patients in the clinic and in the community and visited local hospitals. Scott, a builder, worked on the grounds doing general building work in maintenance. They returned to New Zealand in December 2009. You can read about their experiences on their blog.