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The digital divide is acute during lockdown with 700,000 children not having access to devices or broadband for learning from home. I am trying to set up a project to link such families with those who have spare laptops or tablets. In the meantime here are some resources: thread
BT partnership to give 6 months free broadband. Local Authorities & Academy Trusts can request vouchers to identify children who are most in need. For more information about this project, please contact: [email protected] I’m trying to find out if this is working.
There are some grassroot projects that take old laptops and devices for distribution in the community. The list is here. https://therestartproject.org/where-to-donate-your-computer/ I could not get in touch with most of them & not sure what’s still operational under lockdown but might be worth trying a local one.
I will keep adding to this as I have been looking into this for a few days. But back to childcare & homeschooling to try and ensnare them away from the screen. In the meantime if you have a spare tablet and/or need one, get in touch.
There’s also this organisation I found that is collecting laptops but I am waiting for an email response to find more. From their website: GET IN TOUCH DIRECTLY WITH PILAR KUSEL, HEAD OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND PROGRAMMES AT UNITED WAY UK ON [email protected]
During the last lockdown I found some info on BlueTown Matters that was asking for laptop donations. I don’t know if they are still doing so (I am checking) but if you are based in Wales and want to donate your laptop: Please email [email protected]
This is also a scheme here to apply for laptops and tablets: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-laptops-and-tablets-for-children-who-cannot-attend-school-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR1P0LtHJmxBL_I4HbaLhMQbpIC5Or9LROczdFauYonuCP-nGVGffZzR6Qs
Also can apply here to get temporary increase on data allowance if there is no fixed broadband connection at home. Many network suppliers are taking part: https://get-help-with-tech.education.gov.uk/about-increasing-mobile-data
Also if you are in Wales, Please contact
@DC_Wales for free wi-fi voucher to have access to internet. Also @eystwales might be able to help.
@DC_Wales for free wi-fi voucher to have access to internet. Also @eystwales might be able to help.
