In modern everyday life, smartphones, tablets, computers and other technological devices are ubiquitous. These tools, which have become indispensable in several spheres of life, provide instant access to all kinds of information, at any time.
This indisputable reality is just as present for young people of school age, where the uses are multiple: whether it is to write an assignment, use an application, follow an online course, or even communicate with teachers, these tools are part of integral to their daily lives.
It is therefore difficult to conceive in this highly digital era that thousands of families, in the heart of a large city like Montreal, are deprived of these technological tools or, even worse, of appropriate Internet connectivity, which is nevertheless necessary for their educational progress.
” A luxury “
Exacerbated by the pandemic, inflation and the housing crisis are issues that affect economically disadvantaged families the most. In this context, the cost of a computer, a tablet or even an Internet connection can represent the bill too much to settle at the end of the month. Unfortunately, this is too often the case among the approximately 4,300 families living in low-cost housing (HLM). With an average annual income of less than $20,000, it’s a “luxury” that many families cannot afford.
Moreover, according to the most recent data available from the Office municipal d’habitation de Montréal, only 53% of households have Internet access at home from a computer. In this case, it is difficult for the approximately 10,000 young people under 25 living in these HLMs to do their homework, attend online courses or even have access to research tools or various software. It is also impossible to communicate with friends, to have access to social networks or even to receive emails from school.
When the Internet influences school perseverance
It is understandable that being deprived of technological tools, in the midst of a pandemic, has had a negative influence on the school perseverance of many young people. When access to courses is compromised and the context of a labor shortage promises attractive working conditions, an extra salary can certainly help the family make ends meet. Two factors accentuating the risk of dropping out of school among young people. The La Clé Foundation has understood this problem and wants to take concrete action to make a difference.
The Foundation is therefore active in helping these young people from Montreal’s HLMs to persevere in their studies and reach their full potential. To do this, it relies, among other things, on the awarding of scholarships for school perseverance, the funding of community organizations working with these young people as well as the funding of sports and cultural activities allowing them to achieve their full potential. A new project has been added to the media offered: the reduction of the digital bill.
One might think that accessibility to a high-performance Internet connection seems to be an acquired right. However, this is far from being the norm in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods of Montreal. The neighborhood and the socio-economic situation of young people should not define them or prevent them from realizing themselves.
It is therefore with the conviction that every young person deserves to have access to effective and appropriate tools to succeed in their academic career that the La Clé Foundation is committed to facilitating adequate access to the Internet for hundreds of families in Montreal’s HLMs. , thus providing young people with much-needed better learning conditions.
Photo provided by La Clé Foundation
Bridget Samson, President of the La Clé Foundation