Two families from our Digital Immersion Programme are set to receive subsidised broadband thanks to Spark Jump and 20/20 Trust.
The two organisations share our belief that every child deserves equal access to online learning at school and in the home.
Spark Jump is a flexible prepaid scheme that provides qualifying families with 30GB of data for $10 and a modem at no cost. 20/20 Trust is facilitating the scheme through the Whangarei Central Library, where families will soon be able to sign up by simply booking a session with a librarian.
20/20 Trust Area Manager Sue Kini says Spark Jump is “a real game changer” in that it provides whanau both access and control over their internet usage and costs.
“We’re fortunate to have such a community-focused library team in Whangarei that works hard to provide extra digital services.”
Taitokerau Education Trust Executive Officer Liz Cassidy-Nelson says Spark Jump is a wonderful complementary service to our Digital Immersion Programme.
“While we can support whanau in accessing a digital device, it’s equally important that our tamariki are able to fully utilise them in their online learning at home.
“Spark Jump removes the cost barrier and makes it possible for all of our programme participants to access the internet outside of the classroom.”
Spark Foundation General Manager Lynne Le Gros says there’s a huge number of households with school-aged children across the country that don’t have home broadband.
“We know there’s a need around the country for internet that’s affordable and accessible and we’re really thrilled that Taikokerau Education Trust is making Spark Jump available in Whangarei so that more households are turning into learning environments.”
Spark Jump was launched in September 2016 and has been available in Whangarei since May 2017.
