Past president 's campaign to combat digital poverty
A former Asian Business Chamber of Commerce president is backing a drive to combat digital poverty in Birmingham, with the launch of a community interest company.
Qasim Majid (pictured) has set up Wow Dot CIC in a bid to close the digital divide and provide thousands of families across the city-region with laptops and connectivity.
As part of the aim to tackle this issue, Wow Dot has launched its first campaign - Connect_In.
The company has already started to donate laptops and a year 's internet connection to the most needy children in the city.
Key partners for the project include Millennium Point whose premises will serve as a drop-off and collection point for refurbished computers, Social Enterprise REPC Ltd who will refurbish and safely recycle the laptops and PCs and Intercity Technology who are providing internet connectivity.
Mr Majid, who is CEO of the Wow Group and a board member of the Child Poverty Action Forum, is calling on businesses and individuals to donate their old laptops and PCs - as well as funds to provide internet connectivity.
A donation of £300 will provide a child with a laptop and 12 months ' internet connectivity.
Mr Majid said: “We understand that the closure of schools has been a challenge for all young people.
“However, those from the poorest families are suffering considerably, due to digital exclusion, social isolation, and a lack of mental stimulation.
“The issue of digital poverty has been present far longer than any pandemic. However, national lockdowns have certainly painted a deeply saddening picture of what the future of these young people could potentially look like, if we don 't step in to help now.
“In light of this, I 'm delighted to have the support of The Child Poverty Action Forum for what is admittedly, my passion project; as well as our numerous other partners.
“This is an incredible cause, and it 's no surprise that we 've already gathered so much positive attention - a huge thank you to every single person who 's been involved with helping us achieve our goal. ”
Qasim has already secured funding to provide 10 children with laptops and an internet connection.
The first few will be donated to children of Prince Albert Community Trust, whose executive head Sajid Gulzar - also an ABCC board member - said: “The issue of digital poverty has really come to the fore during the pandemic.
“Wow Dot are shining a light on the needs of our poorest families and this project is essential for closing the digital divide in our city.
“Qasim has been at the forefront of this campaign and I have no doubt that his passion and commitment will convince businesses to contribute to this cause.
“We are confident that many more PACT families will benefit from the wonderful work undertaken by Qasim and Wow Dot. ”
For more information and to get involved email [email protected] or click here.