Making sure that all school aged children, in areas where we work, can access the internet at home is a key aim of the 6G Internet “internet for everyone” initiative.
For too many families on lower or uncertain incomes, cost and long-term contracts have been barriers that have proved impossible to overcome.
The pandemic has shown us all how much we rely on the internet for so many things nowadays, not least of which is education. That some children do not have that access seems plainly wrong and unfair.
6G Internet is therefore committed to working with schools to identify families needing help and to provide them with a free basic home connection.
We are currently working with Roe Lee Park Primary School and Brookhouse Primary School in Blackburn.
Both recognised how important it is for all children to have internet access at home.
Laura Butterworth, Deputy Headteacher at Roe Lee Park, commented, “When classes have to isolate for a fortnight, without internet access, that is two weeks of their learning completely lost, extending the education gap even further between those families who can afford to access live lessons from their child’s teacher every day and those who are not in this position.”
Rifat Rasul, the Home/School Liaison Officer at, Brookhouse Primary School, echoed this, “Internet access is paramount in the current climate and even more important for children’s education and learning throughout the pandemic.”
Both Laura and Rifat acknowledged that the partnership with 6G Internet has had a positive outcome.
Laura observed that, “This is having a considerable impact on the children’s learning, as we can now confidently say that all of our children, across our entire school, will be learning every single day, whether or not they are able to be physically in school.”
Rifat added that, “As a school, it is important that we support all children with their education and 6G Internet has been instrumental in providing a fantastic service.”
Ian Clough who leads the 6G Internet “internet for everyone” initiative said, “As well as providing the connection, we try to make sure that the family can also get hold of a suitable device, like a recycled laptop or tablet, by drawing in help from other organisations. For example, in Blackburn we have worked with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, in Preston with the social landlord, Onward Homes and, in many instances, schools themselves have been able to source equipment.”
If you are a school that could benefit from the “internet for everyone” initiative or you can support the project by providing laptops or tablets, please contact:
Ian Clough