Council Donates 170 Laptops To Help Island Children Get Online

The Isle of Wight Council has donated 170 decommissioned laptops to the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) — helping children and families across the Island gain better access to the online world.

The move is part of a wider drive to tackle digital exclusion, with the DPA working to get unused laptops and tablets into the hands of those who need them most.

It comes as more than 6,600 Island households face educational deprivation, and over 3,500 residents face employment challenges — widening the digital gap for many local families.

Elizabeth Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Poverty Alliance, said:

“We are pleased to be partnering with the Isle of Wight Council.

"We want to ensure that we get these devices in the hands of children and families who need them.

"Once the laptops have been processed, our team will set up a simple application and verification process.”

Roger Brown, the council’s Strategic Manager for ICT and Digital Services, added:

“This is an excellent initiative that puts old council devices, no longer fit for work purposes, in the hands of local children in need.

"While these laptops are older, we’ve made sure they’re in good working order so children can have access to the digital world, helping them grow and learn.

"We’re really proud to support this amazing initiative.”

The DPA is also encouraging local businesses to donate unused tech to further boost access to digital resources across the Island.

Families can find out how to apply for a donated laptop — or how to give one — on the Digital Poverty Alliance website: digitalpovertyalliance.org/donate-devices