#CovConnects: An introduction into tech

Cal O'Hare hi fives with a child

Sky Blues in the Community teamed up with Coventry City Council’s #CovConnects Team to provide interactive sessions for young people on the Sky Blues in the Community Easter HAF programme at the Moat House Neighbourhood Centre.

 Lenovo, CDW, and the Moat House Community trust also helped to curate a free programme of activities called 'Lenovo Presents: An Introduction to Tech.' 

Craig White, Operations/Inclusion Manager for Sky Blues in the Community commented: "It's been a fantastic experience linking with local and national organisations and using each other's strengths to put on such a well-received and rewarding event like this. Hearing such great feedback from the local families and children who attended and seeing the smiles and excitement on their faces makes things like this all worthwhile."

'Lenovo Presents: An Introduction to Tech', was run on Wednesday 5th April at Moat House Community Centre and engaged over 90 young people. Throughout the day they trialled several exciting digital experiences including competitive e-sport sessions and a journey on an immersive adventure into virtual reality. Our HAF holiday campers not only got to experience this fantastic technology, but they were also surprised with a visit from Coventry City players Callum O'Hare and Fabio Tavares. All the children were made up and couldn't believe they were playing against their idols on Rocket League!

These sessions were run by Lenovo and CDW's dedicated team of professionals and gave attendees the chance to find out more about the opportunities around tech.  

Natalie Noor, Channel Director at Lenovo, commented: "Our goal at Lenovo is to provide "Smarter technology for all" with a key ambition of bridging the gap in digital inequality within communities. It was absolutely fantastic to see everything come together in partnership with CDW, Coventry City Council, Sky Blues in the Community, and Moat House Community Trust to be able to bring some of our technology into the hands of those young people attending. We hope that the technology and activity on the day will inspire future education opportunities and career paths."

Laura Waller, Digital Services and Inclusion Lead for Coventry City Council, said: "It was fantastic to see so many young people get the opportunity to trial this cutting-edge technology. Having these experiences at a young age will do wonders for their confidence and digital literacy.

"Our #CovConnects programme is all about encouraging and empowering Coventry residents to embrace the online world. This event was the perfect example of that, and I'd like to thank all our partners for their hard work and commitment in making it happen."

Alongside the Lenovo event were more exciting activities run by Sky Blues in the Community. These sessions included internet safety, multisport opportunities, arts and crafts and food, which was provided for all the young people who attended.