Remember, Remember the...

by Simon Paul, BT community investment manager

It’s that time of year again - a time to say a last ‘goodbye’ to summer and the time to say a heart-warming ‘hello’ to autumn. A time to remember to put the clocks back. And a time to remember to submit your application for the annual BT Internet Rangers Awards.

Each year, we scour the country looking for young people and schools who have done their bit to help get people online. It’s a UK-wide competition and is our way of highlighting all the good work that goes into helping to bridge the digital divide between generations in our communities.

There are two categories for entries.

The BT Internet Rangers Awards scheme looks for young people in the UK aged up to 16 years old, who have taught an older person or group basic computer and internet skills. Four national winners will each receive £100 worth of IT vouchers and an iPad. And the lucky overall winner will receive an additional £100 of vouchers.

A second competition – the BT Internet Rangers School Awards – recognises the best school or group of schools that has helped older people make the most of the internet. The winning school will receive a cash prize £4,000 and two runner-up schools will each receive a cash prize of £2,500.

Now here’s the important thing. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on 31st October 2011.

Last year’s overall winner was Terri Miller, from Scotland, who thought it would be a great idea to set up and run computer classes for disabled young people and the older generation. Reading what she achieved, it’s really heartening to see how young people are embracing technology for the good of others.

The winning school last year was Birmingham’s Great Barr School. Pupils there helped residents of a nearby nursing home to get online. It’s yet another great example of something good happening in the community. And one of the benefits we hear time and time again is that it’s not just the people who receive the training that benefit – the ‘Internet Rangers’ do as well. It’s definitely a two-way thing. 

So remember, if you want a chance to be recognised and a chance to win some fabulous prizes, make sure October 31st is in your diary.