Councillor urges schools to access Vodafone scheme
A councillor is asking schools to take up a Vodafone scheme that will help children learn during lockdown.
Dudley councillor Keiran Casey found out about Schools.Connected having spoke with phone providers about how children can be supported during lockdown.
Schools can apply for free SIM cards - containing 30 gigabytes of free data over 90 days - and distribute them to pupils in need of support.
Colleges can also apply.
It is hoped the initiative will help students access their work from home, catch up on lost learning and continue their education during lockdown or if having to isolate.
Councillor Casey, who represents Upper Gornal and Woodsetton, said: "We know how difficult these times are and the impact this having on so many young people and their education at such a crucial time in their lives,
"I think the Schools.Connecting scheme being run by Vodafone is extremely important and has the ability to make a massive difference, really helping to bridge the digital divide and address digital exclusion.
"I have been in touch with a number of headteachers about this across Dudley to make them aware of the scheme and who are applying to this, but I would urge as many schools as possible, primary and secondary as well as colleges to apply to the scheme as this could really help, particularly given the new lockdown announced and schools now being closed again.
"I was pleased to speak to Beacon Hill Academy in my ward who have applied to this scheme and will be receiving some of the SIMs to distribute, which is great news and I really hope this helps".
"It is vitally important that children are able to continue learning, so I wanted to make sure as many people know about this as possible and will continue to see what more can be done to help young people in Dudley."
For more information, visit www.vodafone.co.uk/schoolsconnected.
