Dixons Carphone Asda get remote learning laptops to kids amid coronavirus lockdown
Dixons Carphone is loaning Chromebooks to employees whose children don’t have laptops.
The UK government has faced criticism over an “incomplete” effort to provide laptops and tablets to schools to help children and families access remote education during the coronavirus outbreak.
According to Ofcom, around 9% of children in the UK – between 1.1 million and 1.8 million – do not have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet at home. These children are primarily from disadvantaged backgrounds and at risk of falling further behind with their education.
“We’re all about helping everyone enjoy amazing technology – and that goes for our colleagues too,” Dixons Carphone said in a LinkedIn post.
“To help children who don’t have their own computer, parents across our business can now borrow a Chromebook on loan. The computers will be display models from a local store. This way, home schooling is less of a struggle and kids can continue to learn.”
Asda
Asda, meanwhile, is working with Dell Technologies to provide 7,000 laptops to schools across the UK.
The grocery giant is investing £2 million so that every one of its stores in the UK can donate at least 10 laptops to a school in need in their local community.
Roger Burnley, CEO and President at Asda, says: “It’s clear that digital exclusion is an issue affecting many thousands of children who attend schools in communities that we serve.”
“These children have been disproportionately affected by the lockdown and are at risk of falling further behind their peers. We want to do all we can to help break down the digital barriers so they can continue their education remotely.”
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