3Squared joins effort to close digital divide during lockdown

With a donation of £5,000, digital software and services company 3Squared joins businesses from its home base in Sheffield in support of Laptops for Kids.  

Launched by The Star and data software company WANdisco, Laptops for Kids is a charitable organisation that facilitates the donation and repurposing of used digital devices, enabling children from disadvantaged backgrounds to have access to the technology they need to participate in remote learning, bridging the digital divide which has become more prevalent due to the Coronavirus lockdown. 

The generous donation from 3Squared nearly doubles the current GoFundMe total and adds to the donations of used devices which have already been given to the charitable organisation from businesses large and small.  

To avoid data leakage, donors can erase devices themselves. Alternatively, The Sheffield College can erase devices using software donated by Blancco plc, the global leader in certified data erasure. Learn Sheffield, a non-profit owned by schools, colleges and Sheffield City Council, is distributing the recycled devices to schools according to need.  

Tim Jones, Co-Founder and Managing Director at 3Squared, said: “Children having access to devices at home for distanced based learning is a national problem. With nearly one in 10 households without access to a laptop, tablet or PC, many of our children are missing out on vital education.

“It’s great to see companies within the Sheffield City Region stepping up to address this issue locally. Having young children myself, and with many of our employees with young families, this is an issue close to our hearts. I’d urge other companies in the region to get involved and donate devices or money to support this worthy cause. Together we can make an impact and ensure that the children of our region don’t get left behind.”

David Richards, founder and CEO of WANdisco plc, said: “Many thanks to 3Squared for its generous donation to the Laptops for Kids campaign. We urge successful companies to come forward and help us close the digital divide. Young people must not be denied their right to education during the pandemic.”

3Squared supplies expert consultancy and technology solutions developed to tackle known and emerging rail challenges. It helps customers to implement digital solutions that drive change within their business, increase productivity, mitigate risk and reduce cost.  

Photo credit: Brian Eyre

Download article