Budget carrier easyJet has contributed tablet devices valued at £150,000, formerly utilized by its pilots and cabin crew, to aid underprivileged youngsters lacking access to necessary technology for educational purposes. The airline has handed over 500 iPads to the Digital Poverty Alliance for distribution nationwide among students and families facing digital tool deficiencies. The independent charity, established in 2021, aims to eradicate digital poverty by 2030.
In addition to this donation, easyJet has pledged ongoing support by signing the Digital Inclusion Charter, committing to providing iPads in successive renewal cycles. This initiative targets narrowing the digital gap in low-income communities. Research by the DPA shows that one out of every five children in the UK experiences digital exclusion, hindering their ability to flourish. The program focuses on areas near easyJet’s key UK bases, including Luton, Gatwick, and Newcastle, where digital poverty is prevalent.
The importance of addressing this disparity is underscored by the growing significance of skills like artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and coding as pathways to opportunities. A study found that many parents worry about insufficient technology access for their children’s educational support. The majority of parents believe that technology access enhances learning opportunities for children.
Opal Perry, easyJet’s chief technology officer, emphasized the urgency in bridging the digital divide, especially with a significant number of young individuals at risk of being left behind due to lack of access to technology. The study highlighted that the cost of devices serves as a major obstacle for parents in providing educational technology at home. Many parents desire increased availability of technology in schools to support their children’s learning.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, emphasized the close relationship between educational success and digital access, noting the struggles faced by children without devices to complete school tasks. She praised easyJet’s commitment to providing iPads, recognizing the positive impact it will have on children and families. The alliance expressed gratitude for easyJet’s efforts in addressing digital poverty and promoting educational engagement through technology provision.