Derbyshire Times backs Cash for Connectivity campaign to provide free internet for disadvantaged children

This is an emergency appeal seeking to raise £1.2million to help provide free internet to 100,000 disadvantaged households in the north of England.

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Many children are currently being denied their basic right to education because they cannot access online learning at home during the coronavirus lockdown.

Cash for Connectivity will fund the purchase of dongles – inexpensive hardware to connect laptops and up to five other devices per household to the internet.

If you would like to make a donation, please visit uk.gofundme.com/c/act/cash-for-connectivity.

Nancy Fielder, editor of the Derbyshire Times, said: “The unfortunate reality is that for many young people, virtual learning equals digital isolation.

“Something that many of us assume is a basic necessity – access to digital tech – is a very real challenge for lots of young people right now.

“Here at the Derbyshire Times, we want to help address this big issue.”

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins is backing the campaign.

He said: “It is clear that the March to July absence from schools affected the education and well-being of children from more deprived communities much more than their more affluent peers.

“The lack of access to digital devices and broadband was one significant reason.

“I’m frustrated that 10 months on, this digital deficit still exists but it is fantastic to see a programme like Laptops for Kids stepping into the void – and I’d like to thank the Derbyshire Times for supporting this crucial campaign and particularly encourage any local businesses that are in a position to support the campaign to do so.”

Cash for Connectivity is part of the Laptops for Kids drive, launched by technology entrepreneur David Richards and supported by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership and a growing number of media organisations, businesses and local authorities.

Mr Richards, founder and chief executive office of data software company WANdisco PLC, said: “This is a quick and inexpensive fix to an urgent social problem and we encourage Derbyshire Times’ readers to donate.”

Sarah Mulholland, head of policy at the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, added: “The pandemic has deepened existing disparities in education, with the most disadvantaged children at risk of falling even further behind their classmates if we don’t step in.”

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Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.