A new €2 million scheme which will see some 2,300 low-income families be able to get a laptop and €300 worth of internet was launched on Friday by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri and Social justice Minister Michael Falzon.
The Digital Connect scheme was described in a statement issued by the two ministries as a pilot project aimed at addressing the digital divide.
'This pilot scheme with an investment of around €2 million will reach around 2,300 families and these identified families, and for this there is a means test, will be entitled to a laptop as well as a €300 internet voucher for a whole year. For this scheme we have identified low-income families who have consequently fallen behind in terms of technology and therefore this pilot project is aimed at boosting inclusion and digital skills,’ Schembri said.
‘This is another example of how we invest in our people. Next year, we will be seeing dozens of new social measures as well as others that will continue to be delivered. We want to make sure that no one falls behind, and that everyone one enjoys equal opportunities. This is a Government with its finger on the pulse at the right place and strongly believes in social justice. A government that ensures that every family has access to basic needs in order to live a decent life’ Falzon said.
It was explained that those who will benefit from this pilot project scheme are those who are currently benefiting from some Social Security services which are: those who have the pink card, non-contributory pension, social assistance, single parent and in case of those who are receiving assistance if unemployed.
This scheme will be launched through a pilot project that will take place in a number of localities: Pembroke, Luqa, Swieqi, Żebbuġ Malta, Gżira, Mtarfa, Naxxar, Siggiewi, Birgu, Rabat Malta, Għajnsielem, Ħal Qormi, Kerċem, Ħad -Dingli and Sannat.
The identified families will be receiving a letter and from there onwards the application process will be triggered. Each household may submit only one application while each applicant will be eligible to apply only once. It was said that the scheme is not based on a first come first serve basis and that every application will be carefully vetted.
In addition, applicants have the duty to ensure that the laptop cannot be transferred or used by third parties. In fact an audit will be done on the laptops that will been given. Disciplinary action may be taken if the laptop is not used for personal use, ie if it is transferred.
All laptops guarantee will be open the moment a laptop is picked up by the authorized seller when the applicant submits the letter of acceptance along with the ID Card. In case of loss, the Malta Digital Innovation Authority must be informed.
In the case of a € 300 free internet voucher these will be distributed by registered letter by mail.
To apply one can do so in person at the Malta Digital Innovation Authority in Mrieħel. Applicants must take with them the identity card and the letter of eligibility. One may also visit the Digital Connect stand which will be in the mentioned localities as they will be guided by the leaflet they will receive together with the letter of eligibility by post. The scheme is open from Monday 29th November to Tuesday 21 December.
For more information one may call on Freephone 80072323 as from Tuesday 23rd November or by visiting www.mdia.gov.mt/digitalconnect.