Words by Smiley Team
Ahead of a Smiley Movement talk on digital inclusion, EE launched a campaign to “give every kid an equal chance” by offering their services for free. In the Lockdown Learning scheme, eligible families can apply for unlimited mobile data, BT WiFi vouchers and educational resources for pupils who are learning from home but struggling to get connected.
American actor Kevin Bacon is promoting the campaign with a 30 second TV advert in which he breaks away from his usual jokey tone, to seriously engage with the importance of education.
Sitting next to a photo of his mother who was a teacher, Bacon reminds viewers that “Millions of school children are being asked to learn from home, yet many have difficulties getting online. That’s why EE is offering unlimited data to kids that need it the most”.
So far the campaign has helped tens of thousands of families access vital educational resources across fixed and mobile networks.
The CEO of BT’s consumer division, Marc Allera, said: "As a national champion, we want to ensure no one is left behind while face-to-face teaching is on hold. Our Lockdown Learning support scheme has so far helped thousands of families access vital educational resources across both our fixed and mobile networks. Thousands of customers are now benefitting from free unlimited mobile data, we’ve given tens of thousands of BT WiFi vouchers out to schools for families and kids who need it most, and we will keep on giving.
"With Ofcom estimating around 880,000 family homes are without a broadband connection, we want to help more families. I'd encourage anyone who needs help getting their kids connected for learning to apply for help from BT and EE through their school. And please pass that message on to anyone you think might benefit.”
Further information about the Lockdown Learning Scheme can be found on EE’s website.
Smiley’s soon-to-be-released talk on digital inclusion features a range of speakers from educational and community activist backgrounds discussing how to ensure every child can access the internet and the devices that are so vital for learning while lessons are taught online for the lockdown.
In the discussion, Reverend Polly Kersys-Hull, a priest in a Church of England in a community in Leytonstone, East London, said: “We’re beginning to see some change from companies like EE but we need to hold those other big agencies accountable. As communities, we have the power to work together in raising our voices to get united.”
To find out more about how you can help in the drive to get all kids an equal chance through online learning, contact your local Citizens UK group via their website, which can be found here.
Keep an eye on Smiley Movement’s platforms for their digital inclusion event, to be broadcasted next week.
