The need to end the digital divide is urgent, says former headteacher

HELP IS needed urgently to end the digital divide, says the director of the Valley Learning Partnership as money continues to be donated to Calderdale’s Laptops for Learning appeal.

Liz Cresswell (pictured), former Brighouse High School headteacher, heads up the partnership, which includes Brighouse High, Brooksbank, Moorside Community Primary, Savile Park Primary and Withinfields Primary, and works with Calderdale Council to help all children in need - not just partnership schools.

“The need to end the digital divide is urgent; as more lessons move online the gaps between disadvantaged students and their peers is in danger of widening,” she said. “Government supplies of devices have helped and school leaders are exploring innovative approaches such as requesting donations of old laptops and tablets, repurposing of equipment and even supporting families to use games consoles as a means of accessing online lessons. But the problem of digital inequality remains.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated so far - please keep supporting us at www. rocketfund.org/end-the-digitaldivide-for-calderdalepupils.”

Steve Duncan, from the Community Foundation for Calderdale, said: “£42,600 has been raised so far, not including gift aid. Christine Gow, the late Lord Shutt’s daughter, has raised £2,150 in a few days with her Cream Teas for Laptops idea. She can’t take any more orders but if people want to keep on donating that would be great.”