Digital Poverty Alliance targets device gap for students in Isle of Man
Tech4Communities initiative provides refurbished laptops to support access to education despite strong digital infrastructure.
The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA), in partnership with SQR, has introduced its Tech4Communities initiative in the Isle of Man, providing laptops to students experiencing digital poverty and addressing a gap between connectivity and device access.
The program will distribute refurbished laptops to young people aged 11 to 18, with an initial rollout of 15 devices. Applications can be made by families or through schools, with educators verifying eligibility to ensure support reaches those most in need.
Access gap persists despite strong infrastructure
The initiative highlights a disconnect between the Isle of Man’s digital infrastructure and access at household level. While the island ranks in the top 10 percent globally for connectivity, around 11 percent of the population lives in relative poverty.
As a result, some students remain unable to access the devices required for schoolwork, online learning, and wider participation in digital environments.
The program focuses on removing these barriers by providing devices directly to students, enabling access to homework, online classes, and digital resources.
The scheme uses securely wiped and refurbished laptops, with plans to expand into a broader donation network involving local businesses, charities, and schools.
Devices collected through future donation drives will be allocated specifically to students on the Isle of Man. The program also introduces opportunities for organizations to act as drop-off points or contribute reusable technology.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO at the Digital Poverty Alliance, says: “We’re extremely proud to launch this important initiative on the Isle of Man. Access to a device is no longer a luxury, it’s a lifeline for education, employment and connection. Despite the island’s impressive digital infrastructure, too many individuals remain digitally excluded due to financial hardship.”
She adds: “By refurbishing and redistributing donated tech, we’re not only addressing immediate needs but also contributing to longer-term opportunities for young people to access education and build essential digital skills. This collaboration will discern what’s possible when local businesses, communities and national organisations come together with a shared purpose to tackle digital exclusion.”
The initiative is positioned around improving access to education, enabling more students to complete schoolwork, join online classes, and engage fully with learning.
It also reflects a broader issue across EdTech. Connectivity alone does not solve digital exclusion. Device access remains a barrier, particularly for students in lower-income households.
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