According to a study by The Sutton Trust, 15% of teachers report that more than a third of their students from the most deprived areas would not have adequate access to an electronic device for learning from home, compared to only 2% in the most affluent state schools.
This suggested a huge gap in learning for those students without access to technology during the UK Lockdown and COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the Youth Sport Trust to launch their Digital Deficit Campaign.
Thanks to a charitable donation of £100,000 from entrepreneur Sir John Beckwith CBE, it is expected 300 children will benefit from access to a device for activities and guidance that will keep them moving, boost their wellbeing and ensure they have access to education, even when not in the classroom. With the hope that other organisations will support the cause, their goal to raise £1 million would extend this reach to up to a quarter of a million children.
Sir John Beckwith, president and founder of the Youth Sport Trust, said:
“This pandemic has brought to the fore just how many children miss out because they do not have access to technology at home. It was an issue I felt strongly about before the pandemic struck but now with home schooling and remote learning due to continue for some time there are too many children missing out.
I also hope this donation can highlight how technology can play a part in active lifestyles and encourage active learning at a time when we know less than 50% of children access the recommended 60 active minutes a day and the least active, are again, the most disadvantaged.”
XMA have partnered with the Youth Sport Trust to assist with the supply of iPad’s, technical support and training to be delivered by our team and network of Apple Professional Learning Specialists. As an Apple Authorised Education Specialist, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to provide Apple technology to schools and students that need it most, at a time when distance learning and the need to stay connected is more important than ever.
Ian Cunningham, Director at XMA had this to say:
“XMA were thrilled to be presented with the opportunity to work with Youth Sport Trust. Equipping young people with the equal opportunity to access learning, regardless of their circumstance, is at the heart of what we have continued to do for many years alongside our key educational partners including Apple, Microsoft and Google.
Our purpose has always been to empower learners through the efficient use of technology, and together with Youth Sport Trust this continues to become a reality. As an Apple Authorised Education Specialist, our in-house team of qualified educators will support and mentor teachers and learners in adopting this technology, both for use in the classroom and at home.”
The Youth Sport Trust are a children’s charity working to ensure every child enjoys the life-changing benefits that come from play and sport. Find out more about what they here
If you’d like to know more about their Digital Deficit Campaign, please visit their campaign page here
