How we’re giving more young people access to technology and education

Dell Technologies and Action for Children have been working together since 2009 to bridge the digital divide in the UK.

With the rise of online learning, technology has become an essential tool for education. Students who have a laptop can access a wealth of educational resources, complete online assignments, and communicate with teachers and classmates, regardless of their location.

Without access to a laptop or even a phone, children and young people are at a disadvantage when it comes to their education and may struggle to keep up with their peers.

Action for Children in partnership with Dell Technologies is increasing access to education through the Dell Inspire IT programme. The programme supports thousands of children and young people each year to successfully connect with the digital world.

Together, we are committed to driving digital inclusion by providing young people with the technology and support to learn, grow, thrive, and succeed in an increasingly connected world.

Our Dell Inspire IT programme supports under-served children and young people to gain essential digital skills, including iDEA qualifications, and teach them how those skills can be transferred to access education, employment and training opportunities.

The impact for a child or young person from receiving support from our Dell Inspire IT programme at a critical stage of their learning and development, will be felt lifelong.

15-year-old Meghan is studying for her GCSEs and dreams of becoming a musician actress, and artist. But behind her creativity and ambition lies a heavy responsibility.

Meghan is a young carer for her 12-year-old sister, Mia, who has autism, OCD, a learning disability, and struggles with her mental health.

Meghan is incredibly creative. She enjoys playing the bass in local bands and acts in shows. But until recently, she didn’t have a suitable computer to support her studies or creative work.

Through Action for Children’s partnership with Dell Technologies and the Dell Inspire IT programme, she received her own Chromebook - something she didn’t expect but desperately needed.

Meghan was also referred to Action for Children’s Pembrokeshire Young Carers service, where she found a safe space to be herself. She told us: "Attending young carers has been a real lifeline to me. It felt like focusing on myself for once and enjoying it without worrying about anything else.”

Her mum, Emma, has seen a big difference in Meghan since she started to receive support: “They have given her new friends, a new lease on life and a new direction.”

Meghan’s caring role is intense. “A lot of time for me it's being a third parent rather than a sibling... I feel like I am living her life before my own or instead of my own,” she explains. But with the support of Action for Children, she’s found her voice - and is using it to advocate for others like her.

Now, Meghan is looking ahead to college, where she plans to study drama, art and English literature. She’s excited about the future and is determined to keep using her voice to make a difference.

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