Digitots: Preparing Preschoolers for the Digital Age
A Glasgow charity is tackling digital exclusion head-on with its innovative Digitots programme, designed to foster digital literacy in young children. Rosemount Lifelong Learning, based in Royston, has introduced the initiative to equip three- to five-year-olds with vital digital skills to help them navigate an increasingly tech-oriented world.
By incorporating fun and interactive activities like tablet-based digital drawing, interactive whiteboard games, and hands-on learning with electronic devices supplied by the organisation, Digitots provides preschoolers with an engaging introduction to the digital landscape.
The weekly sessions, initially offered to children attending Rosemount’s nursery, build on the success of the Digitbite programme, which unites people of all ages to explore diverse technologies such as 3D printing, virtual reality, and drones.
Boosted by a Transformative Grant
The programme’s launch was made possible by a £99,600 grant from the Building Digital Skills Fund, a collaboration between the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation. The funding enabled Rosemount to recruit a part-time IT tutor to oversee Digitots and other digital inclusion projects, as well as to upgrade their tech resources, including new laptops.
Many families connected with Rosemount face challenges accessing digital devices. The charity’s mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has the tools and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly online world.
Sean Morrow, CEO of Rosemount Lifelong Learning, highlighted the importance of early exposure to technology: “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. Thanks to the support from HFD and the Virgin Money Foundation, we’ve been able to bring in a dedicated IT tutor and provide the tools and resources needed to help both children and families overcome barriers and develop essential digital skills.”
Making a Lasting Impact
Lauren McKenzie, an ambassador for the HFD Charitable Foundation, praised the initiative: “The Digitots programme is a fantastic initiative introducing children to technology, while also equipping their families with the confidence to embrace digital services and tools.
Rosemount Lifelong Learning is creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact. At the HFD Charitable Foundation, we’re proud to support projects like this that make a real difference in communities and help to bridge the digital divide. We were delighted that the Digitots programme and Rosemount were positively mentioned in Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 7th January, it’s encouraging to see such an important issue being acknowledged and discussed at this level, highlighting the significance of initiatives like this."
The Building Digital Skills Fund extends the partnership between the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation, which previously supported Glasgow’s Community Anchors’ Fund, delivering over £1 million to local community organisations between 2020 and 2023.
Nancy Doyle-Hall, executive director at Virgin Money Foundation, also praised the project’s ambitions: “Ensuring that people have access to technology is essential for children as well as adults. It helps them to develop skills they will need as they go through the education system and beyond. The Digitots initiative is a brilliant programme and we are delighted to support Rosemount Lifelong Learning to launch this initiative through the Building Digital Skills Fund.”
