18 Nov 2008

Bridging the digital divide
....Josh (12) is perplexed at the adult worry about the rich/poor digital divide. Josh, Anna and James (who are taking part in this years UK Kids Online Seminar and all of whom are pupils of comprehensive schools from across the country) insist that their incessant use of technology does not make them geeks.  Josh explains that "to most grownups, a geek is someone who can use a computer. To us, a geek is someone who can build a computer and its applications himself"..
..To them, computers and the internet are just tools to help them communicate with their mates. They are also helping them to solve problems, collaborate with each other and create their own knowledge.
 
 
With this background in mind, eHampshire (part of HCC's Economc Development Office) has been working with Citizens OnLine to bring an innovative project called Everybody Online to communities in Hampshire.
 
Everybody Online logo
 
 

EverybodyOnline Projects

EOL projects help communities and individuals in disadvantaged areas across the UK to engage with digital technology. By helping communities overcome any barriers they may have to computers and the Internet, the project enables people to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities (both social and economic) that digital technology and the Internet has to offer.

Hampshire County Council’s Economic Development Office (through eHampshire) saw the potential for this project from an early stage.  By working closely with BT, Havant Borough Council and Everybody Online eHampshire has been able to deliver the first Everybody Online project in the South East of England - Leigh Park which was launched in March 2006.

Leigh Park is situated to the north of Portsmouth in Hampshire. Surrounded by affluent areas, Leigh Park has been identified as having low levels of Internet connectivity, ICT skills and high levels of deprivation. EverybodyOnline aims to help local people overcome any barriers they might have to digital technology and improve the levels of ICT literacy. By narrowing the gap between the ‘e-haves’ and the ‘e-have-nots’ the community of Leigh Park will be able to access the opportunities enjoyed by other local communities. Read the EOL Annual Report for full details of all the benefits that the project brings to communities across Britain.

Ina Allum has been appointed as local community Project Officer making sure the project brings maximum benefit to the residents of Leigh Park. Before joining Citizens Online, Ina worked as Centre Coordinator in a local Community Centre. She has also previously worked for the UK Online project (Havant Online) and as an IT Tutor for local colleges teaching adults basic IT skills. Before that, she worked as a Training and Employment Advisor in a local resource centre. Ina enjoys working in the community and likes the variety of challenges her role of EverybodyOnline Project Officer brings. Ina is mother to 3 teenagers and in her spare time enjoys music, watching live bands, painting, drawing, driving in the countryside and of course computing
 

EverybodyOnline takes Pride of Place for Royal Visit
 
EverybodyOnline project officer Ina Allum and her volunteers in Leigh Park, Portsmouth will meet Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Anne when she visits the Pride of Place Community Advice Centre, Leigh Park on Tuesday 8th May.

Pride of Place is a Police led community project which aims to restore pride into the community. Although Police led, many organisations and authorities have played a big part in its success. The community advice centre is a one-stop-shop providing support and advice to local residents. It is the home to organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch, Connexions, Victim Support and EverybodyOnline. Locals can get advice and support on all issues from crime matters, ICT money, housing, health and many more.

Ina has been based at the centre since it began in November 2005 and has been a key player in equipping the facility with extra computers and Internet access. She has, along with her volunteers arranged many Information Technology (IT) courses and taster sessions for members of the community, introducing them to the Internet and providing advice on Internet access and training opportunities; particularly focusing on the more vulnerable groups. 

Princess Anne will meet Ina personally, and will be shown a short DVD presentation which Ina made about the project.  Ina is also involved in the Park Media group, a social enterprise film making group. They work in partnership with a local school and will be giving young film making enthusiasts an opportunity to capture the royal visit on camera.

Ina said, “This is an amazing opportunity for both EverybodyOnline and the Pride of Place to show everyone that Leigh Park matters and is worth investing in. Both projects have had a really positive impact on the community and we are going from strength to strength”.