London, 19th March 2024 – Today marks a significant achievement for the Connecting Communities initiative as it proudly delivers its 500th device to families in Tower Hamlets. In a landscape where digital access remains a challenge for many households, particularly those with primary school-aged children, this milestone symbolises a crucial step in bridging the digital divide.
Tower Hamlets faces a stark reality with an estimated 50,000 homes without internet access or suitable devices. In response, Connecting Communities, the multi-sector partnership formed by the East End Community Foundation, Poplar HARCA, Tower Hamlets Council and The Letta Trust, has emerged as a beacon of hope, providing not only connectivity solutions but also a comprehensive support package. Families in the borough grappling with digital inequality receive a year’s worth of free broadband, along with a brand-new device and essential IT training.
The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. Working with 23 primary schools in Tower Hamlets, families have embraced this lifeline. At Hermitage Primary School in Wapping, where 54 new families were enrolled this week, the excitement was palpable. Their newfound access to free broadband, coupled with the provision of new laptops and essential IT training, promises to empower these families in navigating the digital world more effectively. One parent said “I can’t believe how lucky we are to be part of this. My son’s learning is going to go from strength to strength now we can connect to the internet. I am looking forward to being able to help him with his homework.”
The success of Connecting Communities owes much to the collaborative efforts and generous support of its founding member and the open and collaborative roles in making this initiative a reality and an effective tool in addressing inequality. Furthermore, the contribution of Community Fibre and BT in providing essential broadband services has ensured seamless connectivity for participating families.
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