Making a Difference- Bridging the Technological Divide

Dominica- 13- Northamptonshire   

 School closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic have meant pupils now need computers, laptops, tablets or iPads to keep up with online lessons and extracurricular schoolwork while at home.

    The lockdown and the closure of schools has exposed the digital divide with many children and families suffering because they do not have a computer or they do not have enough computers for all the children in the family to take part in virtual learning. 

    South Northants council together with businesses in Brackley and Silverstone have responded to a social media post by a small local charity to donate computers to pupils to tackle digital poverty.

    The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the divide that exists between those young people who have their own computer and those who do not have access to one at home.

     All children and young people should have the tools to give them the best start in life and bridging the technology gap is so important in helping them to achieve their potential regardless of background.

     Volunteering for a small food aid charity Miranda, my mum, said: “We have identified an urgent need for computers in South Northants where children are not able to participate fully in lessons due to not having appropriate equipment at home.”

     With the support of the Northamptonshire Community Foundation, the Community Larder is participating in the Tech4kids campaign to source further equipment.

     Miranda said: “Every day lost to education is a day too many so the need to raise the profile of this campaign is most pressing. As soon as we have the equipment it can be passed straight into the hands of children who need it."

Packing up computers, ready to be sent off

    As the computers came in I helped to get the computers tested, packed and redistributed out to the village schools. In total 62 computers were delivered to 20 schools. 

People from all around the area receiving their computers!

Some lessons are easier than others online!