2009 'Internet Rangers' search underway

BT has launched a nationwide search to find and reward young ‘Internet Rangers’, who teach older generations basic computer skills and how to use the internet. It’s part of BT’s annual award scheme which is now in its fifth year - BT Internet Rangers of the Year Award.

BT Internet Rangers is a key element of BT’s digital inclusion programme and was set up following research which showed that nearly a third of parents and grandparents were taught to get online by young people.

This year a new category will be added to the awards programme; BT Internet Rangers School’s Award. A £5,000 grant will be awarded to the school or group of schools which does the most to promote and increase inter-generational activity to the wider community. The aim of the award is to provide funding for a new digital inclusion activity or to increase an existing one. Preference will be given to events which reach out to those people who are socially and digitally excluded.

The awards celebrate the most dedicated young internet teachers around the country. Fifteen year old John Soutar from Lionel, Isle of Lewis was last year’s winner. John helped his mum kick start her business by building a website for the holiday cottage rentals and then arming her with the skills and knowledge to manage the website and how to research, advertise and take bookings online.

Beth Courtier, BT’s Community Investment Programme Manager said,

“Not having the basic skills to get online means many older people miss out on important information and cheaper goods and services, even employment opportunities. The fantastic work being done by youngsters to help bridge the knowledge gap and educate people in the simplicity of getting online has a major impact on the lives of older people. Young people often get a bad press, but BT wants to acknowledge and reward the fantastic work youngsters do as part of the Internet Rangers scheme. This type of inter-generational learning is a simple and obvious solution to promoting digital inclusion for all.”

Entry and more information about the awards can be found via the BT Internet Rangers website, www.btinternetrangers.co.uk

Latest news