The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) extends its Tech4Youth programme to the Solway Coast in Cumbria, aligning with End Digital Poverty Day.
- This initiative will aid 275 young people in the Solway Coast and neighbouring areas, providing them with necessary digital tools and skills.
- Research by DPA identifies cost as the primary barrier to digital access, with 86% of parents acknowledging this issue.
- Support from Macquarie Foundation and Voneus facilitates this programme with a funding of £78,000.
- Access to digital tools significantly boosts educational engagement and future employability among youths.
The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has strategically expanded its Tech4Youth programme to the Solway Coast in Cumbria, timed to coincide with End Digital Poverty Day. This expansion is set to benefit 275 young people aged 11 to 19 from the Solway Coast and nearby communities including Silloth, Wigton, Maryport, and Aspatria. By providing laptops, free internet access, and digital literacy workshops, the programme aims to directly address the digital access challenges prevalent in these areas.
Research undertaken by the DPA reveals that 86% of parents of digitally excluded children cite cost as the primary obstacle. This significant barrier prevents children from accessing necessary laptops, thereby hindering their educational development. The programme, supported by £78,000 courtesy of contributions from the Macquarie Foundation and broadband provider Voneus, seeks to alleviate these financial constraints.
An overwhelming 92% of parents reported a marked improvement in their children’s motivation to learn after being equipped with laptops. This underscores the crucial role that digital access plays in fostering educational engagement. Moreover, for older youths who are beginning to explore employment opportunities, proficiency in digital skills becomes indispensable. As approximately 90% of jobs are now advertised online, access to technology and digital competencies are vital for broadening career prospects and supporting ongoing online training.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of Digital Poverty Alliance, expressed her satisfaction over the programme’s growth in Cumbria, emphasising the importance of access to online learning and digital skills for young people. She stated, “We are so pleased to have had the opportunity to grow our work in Cumbria and support more young people by providing access to online learning and digital skills.”
Christopher Traggio, CEO of Voneus, also remarked on the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Digital Poverty Alliance on this scheme to amplify investment in devices and skills for young people in Solway Coast who are unfairly digitally excluded.”
The collaboration marks a significant step towards ensuring equal digital opportunities for youth in Cumbria, enhancing their educational and career prospects.
