Empowering Tech's EdTech experts donate reading pens to the Turing Trust
Scanning Pens' first donation of reading pens has landed at The Turing Trust HQ, who work to transform the lives of students with the power of technology and innovation.
Founded by the family of pioneering English computer scientist Alan Turing, the Turing Trust seeks to continue his legacy by using technology to empower communities. Turing is widely regarded as the father of modern computing and the study of theoretical computer science, and viewed information technology and early forms of computers as a means of solving immense challenges. He also demonstrated a great passion for helping others and sponsored work and education for individuals in his family and refugees during the Second World War.
In honour of Turing’s altruistic spirit, The Turing Trust operates on a model where they refurbish donated tech devices, install a range of learning software, and get it into the hands of individuals who need it to support them in transforming their lives.
Supporting readers all over the world
During the first ten years of the project, The Turing Trust has enabled over 81,000 students across sub-Saharan Africa to have access to computers and gain the digital skills needed to create opportunities later in life. They have also trained over 720 teachers on basic computer maintenance and how IT can support teaching in their classrooms, and donated almost 10,000 computers to 200 schools throughout Africa.
Their current focus is to provide technology-enabled education in schools in Malawi in partnership with The Malawi Centre for Youth and Development, who promote innovative IT solutions to foster social and economic development, as well as promote access to high-quality education for children and young people from disadvantaged communities.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, The Turing Trust has also worked to combat the digital divide evident when lockdowns and social distancing measures forced education to be conducted remotely on a mass scale. Since the onset of the pandemic, they have donated hundreds of laptops to students across the UK, including groups from Gumley House School in Isleworth and St Vincent’s School in Liverpool, a specialist school for those with sensory impairment differences and other additional needs. They have also been supporting NHS service users with IT equipment to facilitate access to mental health support and services during the lockdown period.
Empowering Tech and Scanning Pens are proud to support The Turing Trust in their efforts to bring access to technology to students and communities who need it most, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of these reading pens as they make their way across the world.
You can find out more about what The Turing Trust does or explore how to donate or volunteer here.