Cyber cafes to boost learning

The aim is to get more people using technology

Over 1,200 internet cafes have been opened across England in an attempt to bridge the "digital divide" and boost online learning.

The online centres are based in community centres, churches, colleges, schools, libraries, companies and mobile centres.

The digital revolution is here to stay and the UK online centres will ensure that anyone who wants to can gain access to technology

David Blunkett

Users are given help in accessing the internet, using a spreadsheet or sending an e-mail.

The Department for Education has also launched a new website - www.worktrain.gov.uk - which lists up to 800,000 job and training opportunities across Britain.

Opening an online centre in Bethnal Green, east London, the Education Secretary, David Blunkett, said the centres would open a new world of opportunities in communities across the country.

Digital divide

Mr Blunkett drew attention to a recent Dfee survey, which found that 68% of professionals had used the internet, compared with 22% of semi-skilled and unskilled workers.

Older people and those from ethnic minorities were also less likely to have access to the internet, the study showed.

Mr Blunkett believes the centres will bridge the digital divide

"The centres aim to attract people who may feel technology is not for them, such as people with basic skills needs, lone parents, people over 60, those with disabilities, people from minority ethnic groups and unemployed people," Mr Blunkett said.

"This links our agenda of employability, through gaining skills appropriate to filling vacancies, with our key labour market objectives, including full employment.

"The digital revolution is here to stay and the UK online centres will ensure that anyone who wants to can gain access to technology," Mr Blunkett said.

He also announced plans to develop and equip a further 1,050 centres across the UK.

'Hi-tech world'

The Minister for Learning and Technology, Michael Wills, said it was easy to feel left behind in a fast-moving hi-tech world.

"It's not surprising that many of us feel intimidated by the idea of getting online, or don't feel that it's relevant to our lives.

"But new technologies are opening up a world of opportunity to us all.

"Whether you want to send an e-mail picture of your new-born baby to relatives abroad or find out the latest football stats on your team's website, these new centres will mean everyone can get a taste for the net," Mr Wills said.

The national hotline for information about local centres is 08080 100 400.