THE FACTS
Digital inclusion is one of the most effective forms of refugee support available. Here’s what we know about why refugees need digital devices and the skills to use them.
REFUGEES ARE DIGITALLY EXCLUDED
Digital exclusion is experienced widely and disproportionately by refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. It remains a major challenge as they seek to rebuild their lives and achieve their goals, delaying positive changes and exacerbating already difficult situations.
In the modern day, digital devices are no longer luxury items but essential tools for participating in everyday life.
Access to healthcare, legal and asylum services and professional support all require a connected device. Without one, refugees become further marginalised, and their situation becomes even harder to improve.
Being digitally connected has a proven positive impact on health and happiness and can uplift a household's income. It allows access to language services, education, banking, and job searches, and provides a lifeline to those isolated from their friends and family.
TECH IS GOING TO WASTE
Whilst many refugees struggle to complete basic tasks as a result of being without digital access, hundreds and thousands of usable laptops, phones and tablets sit disused or are discarded before the end of their lifecycle. This is a large contributor to what’s being described as an ‘e-waste crisis’ in the UK. Device redistribution sits at the intersection of these problems, simultaneously reducing e-waste and digitally including those who are otherwise excluded.
SCREEN SHARE EXISTS TO DIGITALLY INCLUDE REFUGEES
Screen Share’s mission is to ensure every refugee in the UK has access to a connected digital device and the skills to use it to achieve their goals.
There are more refugees in the world than ever before, including in the UK. We provide laptops, smartphones, internet connectivity, digital skills training and laptop repair training to those seeking sanctuary. Digitally including refugees is not only the right thing to do - everyone has the right to be connected and free from social isolation - it’s also a necessary condition of effective refugee support, and a method of support where impact deepens over time. Without tech, refugees cannot improve their situation.
The provision of tech and tech skills is different to the provision of food or shelter. It is a tool for the individual to build their own future on their own terms. It’s a non-negotiable in the modern day.
Important research on digital exclusion, the effects of digital exclusion on refugees and the prevention of digital exclusion through device reuse can be found below: