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MP sees digital divide bridged at local UK online centre

Local MP Margaret Moran paid a visit to the Learn4Business UK online centre in Luton this morning.  

Member of Parliament for Luton South, Margaret spoke to customers at the Adelaide Street centre and heard how using computers and the internet had helped them improve their lives.  She also met with Centre Directors Tauqir Mirza and Raza Sharif and Helen Milner, Managing Director of UK online centres, to discuss the growing ‘digital divide’ between those using IT (information technology) and those left behind.  

UK online centres are based across England, and provide free or low-cost access to technology and support in using it to around three million people a year.  They also deliver online courses to help and encourage learners to progress on to further learning opportunities.  

Margaret Moran said:  “It was a real pleasure to meet people at the Learn4Business centre, and a surprise to realise many of them had started off with little or no experience of using computers.  I was impressed both by their progress and by the dedication of centre staff in helping them use technology to do anything from Excel spreadsheets to surfing the internet.  

“It was obvious that being able to use computers and the internet really can make a big difference to people’s lives, opening up whole new worlds of opportunity and interest.  IT skills are also important for the community and local economy, helping to connect people with work, council services and each other.  The Learn4Business centre is a great resource for Luton, and a great way for people to get into technology.”

Centre Director Tauqir Mirza added:  “We were delighted Margaret could come along and see for herself what we have to offer to people in Luton.  As well as the Adelaide Street centre, we also have a centre in the Coulters Building in Marsh Farm.  Whether people want to get a qualification or just get online, keep their minds active or keep up with the kids - even if they just want to avoid the queues at the post office by filling in forms on the internet - we’re here to help.  Around 100 people come in regularly to use the computers, or to follow courses in anything from IT to literacy and numeracy.”

Helen Milner concluded:  “Technology and the skills to use it are fast becoming a necessity rather than a luxury.  With 90 per cent of new jobs now requiring IT skills and 90 per cent of public services now available online, those not using computers and the internet are missing out.  What’s more is that it’s often those with most to gain from technology who have the least access to it.  UK online centres aim to bridge the digital divide between the ‘have-nets’ and the ‘have-nots’, and Learn4Business is doing just that for people in Luton.”  

For more information on the Learn4Business UK online centres in Luton, call 01582 414442.

Ends

For more information on this press release, please contact Abi Stevens on 0790 987 5890.  

Notes to editor