ASDA Pledges 7000 Laptops For Schools

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ASDA Pledges 7000 Laptops For Schools

Last week Asda announced that they would be donating 7000 laptops to partner schools across the United Kingdom to tackle digital exclusion. This news broke after Jon Cruddas MP put out the call for local businesses to assist struggling schools.

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.

Each Asda store will nominate a nearby primary or secondary school with a large proportion of families struggling to support home learning. Schools will be identified by the store's Community Champions based on their existing partnerships through their community outreach programme.

Jon Cruddas MP welcomed the announcement: "this is a fantastic commitment, helping to fill the digital divide that the government have failed to address over the past 10 months. My office has reached out to Asda to ensure that schools in Dagenham and Rainham will benefit from this pledge."

Asda representatives expressed that one they have completed the due diligence at their end they will be in a position to let Jon Cruddas MP know which local schools have benefited. The first shipment of laptops will be delivered directly to schools with the greatest need from next month. The Asda IT department will also be on hand to offer technical support to schools.