Connecting Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative managed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. Find out more
New Scots
Olga came to Scotland as a refugee, fleeing the war in Ukraine, and received a device and internet connection from Aberdeenshire CouncilI have online English lessons and until now without a Chromebook it was impossible to attend them. It is most of all useful for my children to learn English and watch science educational films! I also use it to contact my mother who is in Italy at the moment. Our Chromebook is one of the most used and useful items in our home! We want to say a big thank you on behalf of our whole family to everyone who understands, supports and helps us. We really appreciate what you all do for us!
Can you imagine what it would have been like to have moved to a new country when lockdown happened and to have no internet? Or how would you have coped if you'd been stuck in a different country during lockdown with no way to contact your family? Or had to flee your home because of war? A device from Connecting Scotland was a way to integrate into Scottish life for some people, and a lifeline for others.
Meet three new Scots, supported by Community Renewal Glasgow, whose devices helped them continue learning English and find out about their local area.
Rawan received support from Falkirk Council and used the device to help with multiple things to make life better during lockdown.
Ewa was supported by SHMU (Station House Media Unit, Aberdeen) and also used the device to help with multiple things
Marcin was supported by SHMU (Station House Media Unit) in Aberdeen. The device helped Marcin stay in touch with family back in Poland during lockdown and then begin to study TV production at Napier University in Edinburgh.
Doris and family, who received a device from Glasgow Life and are thankful for the difference it has made to accessing school.
Bilingual volunteers with North Ayrshire Adult Learning sharing digital skills to help new Scots access online learning.
More quotes
Gillian, The City of Edinburgh Council[Ukrainian] teenagers on board MS Victoria have been identified as needing ICT equipment and services so this is going to make a huge difference to them, from being able to access educational tools to staying in contact with friends and family. Some residents on the ship became quite emotional at the kindness they have been shown."
