Media Coverage
The Educator Australia; February 17, 2025
As students across the country head back to the classroom, data reveals that a staggering 1.16 million (19%) young people lack access to a laptop or desktop computer in their home – including 400,000 Aussies who are high school age and above.
With schools across the country having or rolling out mandatory ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) requirements, insufficient access to technology can interfere with students’ ability to learn and keep up with homework. In fact, digital inclusion is increasingly important for educational outcomes, with one report noting students who have positive homework behaviour, have a higher chance of completing Year 12 and increasing their likelihood of entering the workforce.
To support children’s charity, The Smith Family’s work, to create equal opportunities for disadvantaged young people, 2,000 devices are being donated by Deloitte, through not-for-profit WorkVentures and the National Device Bank.
“Device donation programs have long supported communities facing digital gaps. With 1.2 million young people experiencing digital inequity, scaling donations is essential,” CEO of WorkVentures, Caroline McDaid told The Educator.
“Together with Good360 and Good Things Australia, WorkVentures has a network of 6 thousand Not-For-Profits to distribute the devices,” she said. “Drawing on successful models from Canada and the UK, we are confident this approach will have a meaningful impact in Australia.”
Read the full article over at The Educator Australia.
