Press Release
PENHA today announced it will be using free connectivity, via Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative, to tackle digital exclusion in Kent. PENHA will use the connectivity to build confidence and promote the well-being of 100 newly arriving young asylum seekers and refugees aged 16-25 through free access to digital connectivity in Kent. Though some asylum seekers have mobile phones in the absence of financial history, they don’t have access to SIM contracts and the £5 monthly telephone allowance given to them is inadequate. Therefore, the connectivity (100 SIMs with unlimited calls/texts and 40GB data a month) is set to benefit 100 young asylum seekers and refugees in Kent for six months.
Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative is open to any registered charity that would benefit from free connectivity, either to improve its digital capability, extend its services or help the individuals and families it supports get online. Registered charities across England can apply for free connectivity, in the form of SIM cards with 40GB data a month, plus free calls and texts, for six months [here].
Bereket Tsegay, Senior Researcher and Policy Analyst at PENHA said “Most of the young asylum seekers and refugees in Kent are unaccompanied minors and free connectivity will allow them to enhance digital connectivity with their family members in their respective countries of origin. In the absence of a social base, this support can improve their mental well-being. Furthermore, such access can help them to access virtual English courses that advance their integration into UK society. Indeed, this free connectivity via Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative support will be a lifeline for them.”
Catherine Russell, Head of Sustainable Business at Vodafone UK, said: “We are committed to tackling digital exclusion. We hope that by providing free connectivity to [add charity name] and the other amazing charities across the UK who have such an enormous impact on their local communities, we can help close the digital divide. We urge any organisation who thinks they can benefit to apply online and we look forward to hearing how this connectivity has helped.” Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative is part of everyone.connected – its commitment to help four million people cross the digital divide by the end of 2025.
For more information, please contact:
PENHA
Kubara Zamani
Email: info@berekettsegay
Tele: 02072420202
Vodafone UK Media Relations Team
Email: ukmediarelations@vodafone.com
Tel: 01635 693693
