Rural broadband provider Quickline Communications is set to deliver essential digital skills and knowledge to school and college students across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire as part of a new initiative launched this month.
Quickline has teamed up with creative education specialist Engaging Education to upskill and empower the next generation.
The organisations have worked together to develop a programme of study that will be rolled out to primary and secondary schools as well as further education colleges across the communities served by Quickline.
The study programme includes a series of engaging and interactive sessions covering topics such as cyber security; online safety; fake news; handling information; and use of devices.
It also considers digital deprivation; the barriers to digital access; the importance of digital skills for all; as well as encouraging women into technology roles.
Modules and activities delivered by Quickline’s Social Value and Engagement Team and representatives from Engaging Education have been designed to stimulate conversations with teachers about online safety to help improve safeguarding.
The programme also aims to encourage parents and carers to engage in digital literacy with their children.
Julian Chalk, Head of Engagement and Enablement at Quickline, which is on a mission to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban locations, said: “We have a responsibility to support the education of those living in the communities we serve.
“Our investment in delivering an education programme for digital skills reflects our unwavering belief that access to the digital world should be a gateway to knowledge, opportunity and empowerment.
“By equipping the next generation with these essential skills, we’re not just connecting them to the internet, we’re connecting them to a future filled with limitless possibilities.”
Social Values Manager at Quickline, Julie Holmes, is one of those delivering the new programme.
She said: “This partnership is all about making a positive impact.
“We believe in the power of education to inspire young people to pursue careers in technology.
“Working with Engaging Education, we’re geared up to inspire and empower the next generation and I’m looking forward to delivering the programme in schools and colleges across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.”
Engaging Education is a creative agency based in Wakefield. It partners with a range of clients in education, business and beyond, working on projects with a strong moral purpose that have a positive impact on society.
Michael Evans, Projects and Partnerships Manager at Engaging Education, said: “Digital skills are essential for life, but not everyone has the opportunities or resources to develop them. That’s why this project with Quickline is so important.
“Together, we will help bring information and resources to life that will help increase digital literacy throughout our communities.
“We’re proud to bring our team’s creative skillset and educational expertise to the programme to help make it a real success.”
The first sessions will take place in primary schools following the October half-term, before being introduced to secondary schools and colleges.
