Yorkshire-based tech firm yboo is launching an educational pilot programme to bridge the nation’s digital skills gap by gifting children with the resources to stay connected.
Kicking off in Honley High School, West Yorkshire, the Give the Gift of Connectivity programme will see yboo donate laptops and Huawei MiFi routers allowing pupils to connect to the internet off campus.
Research shows 1 in 10 households still have no access to the internet, and affordability being cited as the main factor according to the ONS Internet Access – Households and Individuals 2018 report.
However, online studying at all levels is also growing to become the main educational resource, leading yboo to conclude that connection to the internet at home is vital for educational development.
The company, which allows users to monitor mobile phone signal strength nearby, has identified GiffGaff as having the strongest signal strength in the area of the pilot school, resulting in GiffGaff SIM cards being installed in the MiFi devices.
The school will be able to loan the devices to children throughout the school year who require access to connectivity.
Aiming to enhance pupils’ learning experiences and increase their confidence in the use of technology, the programme will roll out nationwide in 2019.
yboo also encourages safe internet usage and will also support the school with technical set-up and safeguarding.
“yboo is deeply rooted in providing children with the same opportunities that those in our company have,” said yboo campaign manager Keely Robinson.
“Without access to online resources and the opportunity to develop digital skills, our company wouldn’t even exist.
“We need to support the next generation in helping them gain the skills required to provide them with a successful future whilst addressing the much talked about digital skills gap. We want children to have the opportunity to become to the next founder of a big tech company.”