The Digital Poverty Alliance has launched a new initiative in the Isle of Man, providing refurbished laptops to young people aged 11–18 who are experiencing digital poverty and need access to reliable technology for their education.
Despite the island ranking in the top 10% globally for digital connectivity, with strong internet speeds and high mobile usage, digital poverty remains a serious issue. Around 11% of the population lives in relative poverty, leaving many young people unable to participate fully in online learning, complete schoolwork or access digital opportunities.
During the initial phase, 15 securely wiped and fully refurbished laptops will be supplied to eligible students across the island. Applications can be made directly by families or through schools and educational providers, with teachers and professional verifiers ensuring that devices reach those most in need.
The scheme focuses on ensuring that children have the digital tools required to complete homework, take part in online classes and build the digital confidence essential for later life.
Although the Isle of Man benefits from high‑quality digital infrastructure, financial hardship continues to exclude many families from accessing the devices necessary for education and digital participation.
Digital poverty affects:
- access to online schoolwork and assignments
- remote learning opportunities
- participation in extracurricular digital activity
- support for wider wellbeing, such as social connection and digital skills development
Tech4Communities aims to directly reduce these barriers by placing laptops in the hands of young people who would otherwise be left behind.
The DPA is partnering with a group of local charities committed to reducing digital inequality across the island. Alongside the initial laptop roll‑out, there are plans to expand Tech4Communities into a wider device donation scheme, with support from local businesses and community organisations.
The expansion will include:
- Local businesses and schools acting as public drop‑off points
- Donation of refurbish able devices by organisations and residents
- All collected devices being ringfenced exclusively for Isle of Man pupils
The initiative aims to create a sustainable flow of refurbished technology, ensuring long‑term support for families in need.
The DPA emphasised that access to a laptop is not simply about owning a device - it’s about ensuring young people can:
- fully engage with school
- participate in online learning
- complete homework independently
- explore extracurricular interests
- build digital skills for future careers
Elizabeth Anderson, Digital Poverty Alliance CEO, said:
“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.
“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.”
By removing digital barriers, Tech4Communities supports educational attainment, personal development and equal access to digital spaces.
The launch marks a significant step towards digital inclusion on the Isle of Man and is expected to grow as more partners and donors join the programme.
Image credit: iStock
