A Glasgow based digital inclusion charity has received almost £100,000 from a Virgin Money Foundation backed grant to support the digital skills of three- to five-year-olds

Rosemount Lifelong Learning has been awarded a £99,600 grant from the Building
Digital Skills Fund, which is a partnership between the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation.

The charity will uses the money to launch Digitots to help young children “with the development of the skills they need to thrive in a tech-driven world”, it said.

Funding is being used to hire a part-time IT tutor and invest in new laptops.

Through weekly sessions children who attend the charity’s nursery will take part in activities such as digital drawing on tablets and playing interactive games on digital whiteboards.

This builds on existing work by the charity to introduce people of all ages to technology such as 3D printers, virtual reality headsets and drones.

“The Digitots tutor not only leads the session for children, but also works with parents and carers to ensure families feel comfortable using the devices and are confident in supporting their children’s learning at home,” said the charity.

“Many of the families served by Rosemount Lifelong Learning don’t have regular access to digital equipment. The charity’s ambition is to ensure everyone has access to the technology and skills they need for both life and work online.”

“Ensuring that people have access to technology is essential for children as well as adults,” said Virgin Money Foundation executive director Nancy Doyle- Hall.

“It helps them to develop skills they will need as they go through the education system and beyond.”

Rosemount Lifelong Learning chief executive Sean Morrow added: “We’re thrilled with the launch of Digitots and the opportunity it gives young children to explore technology in a fun and supportive environment.

“In today’s world, it’s more important than ever for kids to feel comfortable with technology, and starting early can make such a difference.”

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