Pupils in Wales benefit from scheme helping them 'stay connected' to education
A telecommunications company has announced that more than 5,000 data SIMs from its schools.connected initiative have been distributed to primary and secondary schools and further education colleges in Wales.
The emergency support from Vodafone was created to help pupils who struggle to access remote learning because they don’t have the right connectivity.
Each SIM has a 30GB data allowance valid for 90 days.
The National Foundation for Educational Research suggests that 28 per cent of pupils had little or no access to digital technology in the home, rising to 43 per cent in schools in the most deprived areas during the pandemic.
The Vodafone schools.connected programme launched in November and the initial 250,000 data SIMs were ordered by primary and secondary schools across the UK in just four days.
The programme was extended to reach an additional 100,000 pupils, and opened to further education colleges to provide connectivity to disadvantaged 16 to18-year-olds.
The schools.connected initiative followed consultation with head teachers and education trusts.
Helen Lamprell, general counsel and external affairs director, said: “The aim of our schools.connected programme is to help children and young people stay connected to education and remote learning and it’s fantastic to see it has reached so many in Wales.
"Throughout the pandemic, we’ve focussed on keeping the UK connected – with a particular focus on those most in need.
"This is just our latest programme to support the UK during these challenging times.”
Vodafone has also relaunched its Great British Tech Appeal which calls on the UK public and businesses to donate unwanted smartphones and tablets that will be redistributed to disadvantaged children and families via charity partner Barnardo’s.
Vodafone will cover postage and repackaging and add six months free unlimited data connectivity.
To donate to the appeal, visit vodafone.co.uk/techappeal
