More young people and adults across the borough, who are living in digital poverty are now able to access the technology they need.
Thirty-six laptops and tablets have been donated to schools and charities in the borough, to help those who are at a digital disadvantage. The devices will allow them to connect with family and friends, access education, seek job opportunities and more.
The devices were provided as part of Ealing Council’s Donate your Device scheme, in partnership with PayByPhone, the council’s phone parking provider, and the charity Digital Poverty Alliance
The project began last year, with residents donating unwanted and old devices to be wiped of personal information, refurbished and given back to those in the community that are digitally excluded.
More than 19% of the borough’s residents do not have access to a digital device at home severely impacting those who rely on digital access either for education or for basic daily functions such as paying bills, applying for jobs or for medical consultations.
A child at Stanhope School in Greenford who received one of the devices, said: “Me and Mum won’t be arguing anymore about me not being able to do my homework. I feel so happy.”
A mother at the school shared: “This will make the world of difference to us all at home and take away the stress of not being able to go online.”
’The opportunity to learn, connect and thrive’’
Councillor Steve Donnelly, the council’s cabinet member for inclusive economy, said: “In today’s digital age, access to technology is essential for academic success and equal opportunities for all generations.
“Providing children with the necessary tools to complete their homework and engage with online learning, means we are bridging the digital divide and empowering students to reach their full potential.
“We want to ensure that everyone has access to necessary technologies to create a more equitable environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn, connect and thrive.”
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance said: “This initiative is making important strides to tackle digital poverty in the UK. Through donating, refurbishing and redistributing devices, we can continue to bring people back online and get unused devices out of drawers and into homes that need them.”
More than 75% of devices donated as part of the council’s Donate Your Device scheme will be distributed to people in the borough, the rest will be given to families across the other parts of the UK.
