Following the release of insightful new research by the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA), a webinar has been scheduled for 9 September 2024, from 1-2pm, titled “Digital Empowerment: The Tech4Families Initiative and Its National Impact.” This event will delve into the significant findings of the DPA’s research, which sheds light on the persistent digital divide in the UK and its profound effects on children’s education.
The research, released earlier this month in Ayrshire, Scotland, reveals that 86 per cent of parents identify cost as the primary barrier preventing their children from accessing laptops – an essential tool for today’s education. With nearly 80 per cent of students needing online access for homework at least once a week, the lack of a personal device places them at a severe disadvantage, impacting their academic performance and future opportunities.
To help address these challenges, the DPA, in partnership with Currys, launched the Tech4Families initiative in May 2022. Since its inception, the programme has successfully distributed 1,758 laptops to children aged 4–16 years across seven digitally deprived areas in the UK, including Ayrshire in Scotland; Northern Ireland; the Lincolnshire Coast, West Cumbria, Staffordshire, the Norfolk Coast in England; and Neath Port Talbot & Bridgend in Wales. The initiative goes beyond merely providing technology; it ensures that families also receive internet connectivity and digital skills training, tackling the root causes of digital exclusion in underserved communities.
The webinar will feature insights from two prominent speakers:
Dr Becky Faith, Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, will delve into the research findings and discuss their broader implications for digital equity in the UK.
Catrin Hale, Group Social Impact Manager at Currys, will explore the role of corporate partnerships in addressing digital exclusion and share the transformative outcomes of the Tech4Families initiative.
Key findings from the DPA’s research include:
- 1,758 laptops distributed to children aged 4-16 years through the Tech4Families initiative.
- 86 per cent of parents identify cost as the main barrier to their children’s online access.
- 92 per cent of parents report increased motivation to learn among their children after receiving a laptop.
These findings underscore the challenges many families face in accessing essential digital resources and highlight the vital role of initiatives like Tech4Families in bridging the digital divide.
The webinar will offer a platform to discuss the impact of digital poverty and the effectiveness of targeted interventions. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how Tech4Families is not just providing technology but is also transforming lives by equipping families with the digital tools and skills essential for success in an increasingly connected world.
Webinar Details:
Date: 9 September 2024
Time: 1-2pm
Topic: Digital Empowerment: The Tech4Families Initiative and Its National Impact