Haringey Council has partnered with Haringey Giving to launch the ‘Help Bridge the Digital Divide’ campaign in support of children and young people in the borough who don’t have access to laptops, WiFi and other technological support.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on families currently experiencing economic hardship within our communities, hitting hardest those who can least afford it.
The effects of that hard impact can be acutely felt in schools, where – in a time of year group ‘bubbles’ and occasional self-isolation at home – children and young people who don’t have laptops, WiFi and other tech face additional challenges to those of their classmates.
Here are some more personal and professional accounts from pupils and staff at Park View, as well as two other schools here in Haringey – Seven Sisters Primary & West Green Primary.
Park View pupil Mahmudul said: “During lockdown, I found my online learning very difficult as I had to share my laptop with my other siblings and there were days when I couldn’t use it and – on other days when I could – my WiFi was very unreliable and would crash on me.”
Michelle at West Green Primary commented: “My computer’s broken and I’m worried about my future because, if I’m not able to do schoolwork on a computer, I might miss out on fulfilling my dream to be a doctor.”
Another Park View pupil, Emmanuel, said: “Please support our campaign – donate now and help fund computers and WiFi access for Haringey students who need it the most.”
Ali, Nerly & Faisal – three children at Seven Sisters Primary – added: “We would love our own laptops. Please donate.”
To donate £10, text HGIVE004 to 70191.
Although Haringey schools have remained open since the full return in September, classes and pupils continue to self-isolate when there are suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in their schools.
School closures earlier in the year have also exacerbated existing inequalities in children’s access to, experience of, and attainment in, education.
Despite the best efforts of our schools in Haringey and the local authority, we know there are a number of children and young people who don’t have regular access to laptops, WiFi and other technological support at home.
These children and young people have faced additional challenges to those of their classmates since the onset of the pandemic, but – with your help and support – we can help bridge that digital divide.
Here’s what your donations will help buy a child or young person in Haringey:
£20: One month’s supply of internet access/WiFi
£40: A mobile broadband device
£60: One month’s supply of internet access/WiFi + a mobile broadband device
£250: A basic specification laptop, with carrier case and accessories
Please give whatever you can afford, however small or large. Any donation is gratefully received and will go a long way to helping bridge the digital divide at schools across Haringey. It could make a whole world of difference to a young person here in our borough.
To donate, please visit the Haringey Giving website www.haringeygiving.org.uk/appeal/digital-divide-appeal