Ka Piko — The Origin
They proved something: the best way to bridge the digital divide was already here. It just needed room to grow.
What began as community service became a workforce readiness program.
Tech Savvy Teens was born out of necessity — and a group of young people who showed up.
During COVID, Kawaiahaʻo Church moved its services online. Many kūpuna could not navigate YouTube, smartphones, or video calls, and were cut off. Jaffer Dakroub and a group of friends stepped in — one kupuna at a time.
It grew into a weekly help session. Word spread to other churches, then to senior homes across Oʻahu. Teens were the right people for it: fluent in the devices that intimidated older generations, and full of patience and warmth.
As the program grew, so did the teens. The more they taught, the more they wanted to learn. Community service became a full workforce readiness program, with industry-recognized certifications in digital literacy, Microsoft Office, and cybersecurity — and direct pathways to technology careers in Hawaiʻi.
"Tech Savvy Teens exists because a group of young people proved something important: the best resource for bridging the digital divide was already here. It just needed the opportunity to grow."
Tech Savvy Teens trains youth in practical tech skills while helping kūpuna use the digital tools they rely on every day. Together we bridge gaps in access and build more connected communities across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
A future where every generation has equal access to technology, and young people help build more connected, digitally confident communities.
From healthcare and banking to staying in touch, digital tools shape daily life. Without help, many kūpuna face barriers to their independence, safety, and quality of life.
We close that gap while giving the next generation the skills they need to succeed.
Tech Savvy Teens operates at the intersection of:
Making sure nobody is locked out of the systems they depend on.
Training, volunteer hours and certification pathways into real careers.
Two generations in the same room, learning from each other.
Meet our co-founder
Jaffer Dakroub is a 16-year-old Native Hawaiian homeschool student at Kaulike Academy, a cooperative learning community for youth ages 13–17. As co-founder of Tech Savvy Teens, he helped grow COVID-era volunteer work into a workforce development program serving kūpuna and youth across Oʻahu.
His vision rests on two beliefs: that kūpuna deserve full access to the digital world, and that Hawaiʻi youth deserve clear paths to high-wage tech careers — without leaving home to find them.
Outside Tech Savvy, Jaffer plays basketball and pickleball. He is growing as a public speaker and advocate for the kūpuna his program serves and the young people it empowers.
TST teens visit senior homes and community centers for one-on-one tech help. Sitting side by side, they work through real questions on real devices, at the kupuna's pace. This is not a class — it is learning grounded in aloha.
TST teens also lead workshops for larger groups at senior centers, libraries, and community gatherings. The teens design and deliver each session themselves, building public speaking, curriculum, and leadership skills.
The four things kūpuna ask us about most.
Voice assistants and AI tools — what they are, what they can do for you, and how to stay safe.
Organizing a lifetime of memories, sharing photos with family near and far, and backing up so nothing is lost.
Video visits with doctors, patient portals, and apps for medication reminders and health tracking.
Spotting scams, making strong passwords, protecting your data, and knowing who to call when something feels wrong.
Future Innovators Award
On October 9, 2024, Mayor Rick Blangiardi declared Digital Equity Innovation Day. Tech Savvy Teens received the Future Innovators Award for promoting digital inclusion for youth and kūpuna across Hawaiʻi.
Where we show up
We are proud to support organizations across the community. Here are some of our current clients.
Want your center on this list? Book a free session.
In the news
A Kūpuna Power segment with Brickwood Galuteria on how the KEY Project helps Hawaiʻi seniors get confident with technology. With Tech Savvy Teens, it offers hands-on help with devices, internet safety, and an electronics trade-in event.
"Kūpuna Power" is a weekly Island Life Live segment hosted by Brickwood Galuteria, empowering Hawaiʻi's kūpuna with services, education, and expert tips.
Community stakeholder meeting to discuss broadband access and digital readiness opportunities for Hawaiʻi.
Kūpuna Power on Island Life Live: host Brickwood Galuteria meets the tech savvy teens helping kūpuna get up to speed with technology.
Hosted by Brickwood Galuteria, Kūpuna Power is about self-determination — how, where, and with whom you live. Brickwood shares why digital literacy matters and promotes a Tech Savvy Teens event.
Technology changes fast, and seniors often feel left behind. That's where "Tech Savvy Teens" steps in, helping seniors navigate their smartphones and computers.
Hosted by Brickwood Galuteria, Kūpuna Power is about self-determination — how, where, and with whom you live. Today: an organization that sets youth up to teach kūpuna basic tech skills and safe online habits.