With lockdowns to contain the COVID-19 spread, greater reliance on technology within each household is seen with more individuals working from home and children requiring to enrol in designated online learning. While some households have minimum devices to ensure smooth working/learning, many continue to fall between the digital divide with none or limited access to digital devices. Research conducted by the Ministry of Education on access to communications technology revealed that 36.9% of the 900, 000 students surveyed did not own any device to follow online lessons.
This is evident in the sharing by parents who have approached COVIDCAREMY for mental health support. Many parents are facing a dilemma in the family as only parents own a smartphone which results in parents and children having to negotiate on the usage of mobile; will parents use the device for livelihood or should children’s online learning be prioritized? This creates a conflict in the family and adds to the stress caused by the pandemic.
Thereby, along with grocery aid and mental health support, through the Digital Bridge initiative, COVIDCAREMY is distributing digital device to the members of vulnerable communities. COVIDCAREMY seeks to increase access to online education and livelihood, and ensure equal opportunities among marginalized and vulnerable communities.