The Fondation des jeunes de la DPJ is pleased to receive the support of ITI Foundation following a new partnership. By contributing to our Transitioning Towards an Autonomous Life program, ITI Foundation is giving youths in the care of the DYP the tools they need to succeed, while going one step further in bridging the digital divide.
According to a study by CREVAJ, only 25% of youths in care have a high school diploma at age 19. Having very limited means, youths in care often feel stigmatized, vulnerable, unvalued, and anxious about their academic future.
That’s why ITI Foundation has generously donated 30 gift boxes, each containing a laptop, mouse, keyboard and headset to support 30 youths as they pursue postsecondary education. Targus rounded out the donation with a gift of 30 carry bags. What’s more, ITI Foundation also assists youths by answering any IT questions they may have.
The world we live in is relying more and more heavily on technology, and some youths unfortunately find themselves at a disadvantage. On behalf of ITI, I am proud to provide 30 students in the care of the DYP with IT equipment. These laptops are more than just computers. This equipment is the key to a slightly more equitable future for them—our modest contribution to their success.”
With the new, powerful equipment, youths are better equipped to succeed but, most importantly, they can feel that others believe in their potential. Many have never received such a generous personal gift before.
Having their own computer means they can now study and do their homework without using a shared computer in their foster homes, at school or at the library. In addition to reducing their anxiety, owning a computer levels the playing field for them. They feel like they “fit in with” the other students.
Many youths in care feel that they stand out as being different. They have a hard time believing they will succeed and sometimes think they don’t have the skills and tools to achieve their goals. Some youths told us they felt embarrassed to admit they didn’t have a computer. Receiving a laptop makes them feel valued and grateful that people they don’t know are thinking of them.
We are fortunate to have partners like ITI Foundation. Thanks to them, youths have the tools and support they need to stay in school and move forward in their academic journey.”
Computers are not just a teaching aid. They connect youths with teachers and other students and they create opportunities for interaction. Youth workers have also noticed that computers are helping youths stay more motivated and more focused. What’s more, they facilitate independence by making it easier for youths to look for jobs.
This project has only just been completed and the two foundations are already discussing potential new projects, driven by a common desire to support youths in care who don’t have access to technology.
ITI Foundation is committed to improving access to technology for Quebec youths to support learning and fuel their passion for IT. The Foundation works with public and community organizations, investing time, equipment and expertise to bring technology to where it is needed most. In addition to providing infrastructure, the Foundation is there to walk community players through their IT projects with the support of ITI’s dedicated teams. ITI Foundation wants to help close the gap between youths who have access to IT and those who are less fortunate by backing innovative, exciting and instructive projects that deliver long-term value to the communities the youths live in.