Vodafone donates 57,000 sim cards to young people in Yorkshire and North East to assist with remote learning

The cards are preloaded with 30 gigabytes of internet data, valid for three months, to enable young people without home internet to access the web.

They have been donated as part of the company’s schools.connected initiative.

Research from the National Foundation for Educational Research showed that 28 per cent of pupils had little or no access to digital technology in the home in the first lockdown, rising to 43 per cent in schools in the most deprived areas.

The government have previously confirmed that pupils without digital access should be able to take up an in-school place along with the children of critical workers.

Helen Lamprell, General Counsel and External Affairs Director, said: “The aim of our schools.connected programme is to help children and young people stay connected to education and remote learning and it’s fantastic to see it has reached so many in the North East and Yorkshire.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve focussed on keeping the UK connected - with a particular focus on those most in need. This is just our latest programme to support the UK during these challenging times.”

Vodafone are now appealing for the public and businesses to donate unwanted smartphones and tablets that will be redistributed to disadvantaged children and families via charity partner Barnardo’s.

To donate, visit www.vodafone.co.uk/techappeal