Voneus and the Digital Poverty Alliance expand Tech4Youth on Walney Island offering free laptops for children

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has expanded its Tech4Youth scheme to Walney Island in Cumbria, providing free laptops for children to keep in the area.

The scheme aims to provide children in need of a laptop with a free device to support with digital learning, online job applications and access to essential digital services.

Alongside a laptop, the Tech4Youth scheme is also providing young people between the ages of 11 and 19 with digital literacy workshops and online access support, with the goal of boosting digital inclusion in Walney Island and across Cumbria as a whole.

Les Mcleese, Youth Worker on Walney Island said: "Having been a youth worker in Barrow for just over 20 years and a community leader on the island for 10 years, I have seen the evolution of technology and how we use it to take part in daily tasks. I have seen first-hand how access to technology can open doors for young people, and how it can empower young people with the tools they need to learn, connect and build brighter futures for themself.

However, while many young people have access to smartphones or tablets, not everything can be done on these devices, and schoolwork, job applications and engagement with online services.

“With the increased demand for young people to complete work via a computer and submit it online comes financial pressure, as unfortunately, not all families have the means to purchase a laptop. Sometimes young people may depend on their parents’ laptops, restricting the available times when they can complete homework.

“We welcome the Tech4Youth initiative which brings the opportunity for young people on the island to apply for their own laptops. If access to a laptop would benefit you or your child, we encourage you to apply to receive one.”

The scheme originally launched last year to cover Solway Coast, but has been expanded due to demand in south Cumbria. The project is kindly supported by Voneus and funded by the Macquarie Group Foundation with support from DPA experts on the ground.

“Essential services such as education, healthcare and banking continue to move online, requiring people to have access to a laptop, digital skills and broadband connectivity. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for millions of people across the UK,” said Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance.

“Working with the Macquarie Group Foundation and Voneus, we’re aiming to solve this issue in Walney Island, providing free laptops for young people to keep, providing them the platform to access digital services and improve their lives.”

“Nobody should be left behind because they can’t access services that many of us take for granted. Accessibility is a huge issue so we encourage any young people who would benefit from their own laptop to sign up for the scheme,” Anderson added.

Christopher Traggio, CEO of Voneus said, "We're proud that Voneus can support the expansion of the Tech4Youth initiative to Walney Island in partnership with the Macquarie Group Foundation. Together with the Digital Poverty Alliance, we are working to bridge the digital divide, ensuring more people have the online access they need for education, work, and essential services.”

Rachel Engel, Regional Head, Macquarie Group Foundation, EMEA added, “Supporting the digital divide in a rural part of the UK while engaging with our business partner, Voneus was an exciting opportunity to demonstrate a shared value approach. Partnering with the Digital Poverty Alliance meant we were able to use the expertise of this non-profit to support our efforts to support more families to get online.”

Access to a personal laptop has a significant impact on a child’s education, with 92 per cent of parents highlighting an increased motivation to learn after receiving a laptop.

A mother of a Tech4Youth recipient in Solway commented: “My eldest daughter is currently revising for her exams for nurse cadets to pass her exams and can now have access to a laptop through this amazing organisation. I would definitely recommend any teens to apply for this as the laptop is in immaculate condition.”

To learn more about the scheme and apply for a free laptop, please visit: www.digitalpovertyalliance.org/tech4youth/