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Families learn new digital skills
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in latest phase of pioneering project
Wandsworth Council and Battersea Power Station are building on their joint venture to tackle digital exclusion across the borough and are now offering new skills sessions to local families. In the very early days of lockdown, the council and the power station teamed up to create their Power to Connect scheme to provide schoolchildren in Wandsworth with the digital equipment and skills to continue their learning. Since its formation in April 2020, Power to Connect has delivered more than 1,320 tablet devices and laptops to 72 Wandsworth schools and community organisations, along with £10,000 worth of data top-up vouchers and wi-fi dongles to lower income families. The partnership with Battersea Power Station forms just one part of the council’s wider efforts to offer digital support to families in need. In total the council has overseen the provision of more than 7,200 laptops and tablets to local families throughout the pandemic. Now that families have the hardware to help them explore the digital world, the initiative is being expanded to make sure families have the skills and expertise to explore the digital world.
The first series of digital skills session were held in June at St George’s primary school in Battersea. The parents whose children were given laptops and tablets were present and taught about privacy settings, social media and online safety. These sessions are set to continue next month when more parents will be invited to attend classes at St George’s. Cllr Will Sweet of Wandsworth Council said: “More than a thousand Wandsworth families whose children didn’t have a laptop or a tablet were able to continue their learning online as a result of this partnership. It’s helped make a huge difference by keeping them on top of their lessons and up to speed with their learning.” Isabel St Chapman, director of Power to Connect, added: “We are thrilled to be expanding our work at Power2Connect and delivering digital skills sessions in schools.”
Seize the COP26 opportunity - London Assembly
London Assembly’s Environment Committee has highlighted the opportunities presented by the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP26). More than 190 world leaders will meet to discuss global action against climate change at the 26th COP26, which takes place in Glasgow in November. The London Assembly Environment Committee has been hearing how London should engage with COP26. As a result of the committee’s meeting, the chair has written to Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to ensure London proactively seizes the range of opportunities presented by this historic meeting. The letter asks for key information, including: • How the mayor will engage with government for appropriate measures to address emissions and resolve the health risks facing London • How the mayor will use the opportunities COP26 presents and his convening powers to get all Londoners involved in the move to net zero and decarbonisation
• Regular updates on the additional work the mayor will be doing in the lead up to COP26 and during the event itself Chair of the London Assembly Environment Committee, Zack Polanski AM, said: “COP26 in Glasgow presents an historic opportunity for London to really show the world how serious it is about weighing into the climate change discussion. “London is a fantastic city that leads on so many fronts but there is more to be done here when it comes to tackling climate change. There is room for everyone to step up to the mark. “COP26 is a prime platform for the mayor to encourage different parts of London’s economy to make even bolder commitments. It’s also a good time to continue to up the ante on lobbying central government for even more powers to meet London’s environmental targets.”
Whether you are part of a large organisation or work from an office at home, there are many good reasons for joining the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. As the business hub of Wandsworth, your Chamber is influential in helping to create the right business environment for local companies to flourish. Through membership you have the ability to use our “business voice”, the opportunity to meet key stakeholders, network and do business with many other local businesses that you won’t find anywhere else. So, do it now, online, and start enjoying the many benefits on offer. www.wandsworthchamber.org
For more information or to discuss how we can help you, please contact us at: Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce
020 3633 6575 enquiries@wandsworthchamber.org
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