CHILDREN in the Balearic Islands and Valencia region who do not have internet access or computer equipment can now get back on track with their schoolwork thanks to the country's top tennis star, Rafael Nadal.
His eponymous charitable foundation – run by his mum Ana Parera and where his wife, Mery Perelló, is project manager – has donated 56 tablets with built-in internet in an attempt to close the 'digital gap'.
In addition to the tablets, a total of 3,000 SIM cards for students without home WiFi have been distributed, and a team of 'digital volunteers' from the Rafa Nadal Foundation is helping to train children on how to use their new equipment.
Although it seems most kids at school know how to use IT equipment and the internet better than adults, those who do not have a connection at home and do not own phones, tablets or desktop computers are a long way behind the rest of their generation as they do not get to use them outside the classroom.
The Rafa Nadal Foundation headquarters in Palma de Mallorca has, additionally, made sizeable donations for basic groceries and hygiene kits, including masks, gloves and hand sanitiser.
Another branch of the Foundation is based in Valencia city, in the Natzaret neighbourhood, which has a higher-than-average number of children living in low-income households.
Here, digital 'school kits' have been handed out.
According to UNICEF, millions of students worldwide, from the youngest primary school-aged kids to university undergraduates, are falling behind their classmates and losing out on vital education due to not being able to take part in online lessons, tutorials and homework.
The above photograph shows Rafa Nadal with some of the children and teenagers from his tennis academy, which has been closed since Spain went into lockdown.
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