Asda, the UK-based supermarket, recently joined forces with Dell in order to provide laptops to schools in an effort to reduce digital exclusion – especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual schooling.
Moreover, the supermarket is investing £2m so that "every Asda store in the UK can donate at least 10 laptops to a school in need in their local community." Each laptop will include a headset and a mobile internet dongle alongside a data allowance of 20GB from Asda’s network partner Vodafone. In addition, the laptops will also feature a one-year warranty and technical support.
Roger Burnley, CEO and President of Asda, said: "It’s clear that digital exclusion is an issue affecting many thousands of children who attend schools in communities that we serve. These children have been disproportionately affected by the lockdown and are at risk of falling further behind their peers. We want to do all we can to help break down the digital barriers so they can continue their education remotely."
Social Good Laptop Donations
Asda Provides Dell Laptops to Tackle Digital Exclusion
Trend Themes
1. Digital Exclusion Reduction - Asda and Dell's laptop donations initiative endeavors to decrease digital exclusion in schools.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility - Asda's £2m investment in laptop donations to local schools highlights the importance of corporate social responsibility.
3. Virtual Learning Support - Asda's provision of internet dongles and headset accessories alongside laptops aims to facilitate virtual learning for students in need.
Industry Implications
1. Education - The Asda and Dell laptops initiative benefits schools by reducing digital exclusion, an issue of paramount importance in today's virtual learning environment.
2. Retail - Asda's corporate social responsibility initiative demonstrates that the retail industry can help tackle societal issues, such as digital exclusion in education.
3. Telecommunications - Asda's partnership with Vodafone to provide laptops with mobile internet dongles and data allowances showcases the innovative potential for telecommunications companies to provide support for virtual learning.