Salford charity aims to bridge digital divide with free computer classes

A Salford charity is offering free computer classes to bridge the digital divide at Langworthy Cornerstone.

Sovereign House GH started the classes in 2017 with founder Irene Lockett discovering that many households in Salford do not own a computer.

Sovereign House Gh works to empower and improve the lives of disadvantaged children, and was set up to improve the untapped potential in the children of Salford, and this decided to help create change.

Irene believed it was important to deliver these sessions after moving to Salford, as she explained: “We are living in a digital age where technology is evolving quickly and almost every service is being accessed by technology.

“I think this problem needs to be addressed or else a lot of people will be excluded.”

As well as providing support for digital technology, Irene shared that they also do provide for children in attendance, as she continued: “Child poverty is really happening around us in Salford. It is heartbreaking when kids come to the sessions hungry.

“We try to provide snacks but we’re just a small charity reliant on donations.”

The sessions have been led by Sovereign House since 2017, and another member Katie shared the importance they bring, she said: “At Salford and Bury, we run a ‘Computer Learning Programme’.

“This is designed to accommodate learners of all ages and abilities. We offer flexible scheduling to suit various lifestyles, with sessions available throughout the day and into the early evening”.

 

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Katie continued: “The world is changing and there is new demand for IT and digital skills.

“There is also the need for industry specific leadership skills, and children – our future leaders must adapt to the required skill sets.

“Students must be prepared for the challenges ahead, and our vision is focused on enhancing the IT and digital skills of children, encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, helping them to develop a can-do attitude that will build and boost the children’s confidence.”

The charity are currently opening their sessions to those who are over 50 in order to help combat the digital divide further, and encourage more people to be involved in the fast-evolving digital age.

Residents who wish to attend, can visit classes at Langworthy Cornerstone on Tuesdays and Fridays.

For more information visit their website here.