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Wednesday 24 September 2008 Government’s online plans are a major step in tackling digital divideUK online centres, the organisation which provides access to technology and support in using it, yesterday welcomed Gordon Brown’s announcement at the Labour Party Conference to fund a million extra families to get online. To ensure that the investment has maximum impact on tackling the digital divide – the gap between those using the internet and the UK’s 17 million offline adults – the organisation says action is needed to give parents the skills to use computers and the internet. Managing Director of UK online centres, Helen Milner, explains: “There’s no escaping the fact that being able to follow-up on an increasingly ICT-based curriculum at home gives children an advantage. The new plans aim to level the digital playing field and ensure those growing up with technology get to make the most of it – whatever their location or background. At UK online centres we believe we can make the biggest impact on those children’s lives by making sure the whole family gets to grips with computers and the internet. Currently an estimated quarter of all British parents aren’t internet users, and those at a financial or social disadvantage are three times more likely to be the families missing out.” Evidence from work undertaken by the organisation is already showing the impact of both providing families with computers and the internet at home and helping parents to develop computer skills. A UK online centre on the Aberfeldy Estate in East London has done just that as part of a project funded by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills via the Learning and Skills Council. The project helped low income families with every aspect of getting online and 97% of its participants said the internet had made a difference to their lives. Rubi, 25, is a mother who took part in the project. She says: “Now that my family is growing I want to start looking for a job. The problem is that to do anything at all these days you need to know how to use computers – especially if you want a job that fits in around school hours.” Rubi also understands the impact of computers and the internet on her son’s learning: “Already Rasul comes home with homework, and we do his spelling words together. I can see a day coming very soon when having a computer at home is going to be important for his school work, and I want to be able to understand what he’s doing and help him along.” Raising awareness of the benefits of the internet is crucial, says the organisation. On 24 October 2008, UK online centres across England will be hosting Get online day, a campaign to support families to use the internet for the first time. To take part, call 0800 77 1234 to find your nearest centre. Ends
For more information please contact Anne Faulkner at UK online centres on 07780 766023,
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