Vodafone announced today an investment of €20 million by the Vodafone Foundation to expand Foundation digital skills and education programs by funding local initiatives in Albania, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey, and the UK. This investment is expected to reach 16 million learners by 2025.

Vodafone is the largest mobile and fixed network operator in Europe and a leading global IoT connectivity provider. Their purpose is to “connect for a better future” and our expertise and scale give a unique opportunity to drive positive change for society.  Foundation is working to close the digital skills gap by investing in programs for primary and secondary learners which combine face-to-face training and digital platforms to upskill students and teachers. 

As all of us know, networks keep family, friends, businesses, and governments connected, and – as COVID-19 has clearly demonstrated – we play a vital role in keeping economies running and the functioning of critical sectors like education and healthcare. They are also working to increase digital competencies for over 65s, helping to address the trend of isolation and loneliness which has been exacerbated by lockdowns and social distancing in the wake of COVID-19.

The €20 million investment will be spread over the next five years. This is in addition to the estimated €150 million of in-kind donations from Vodafone Group to a range of COVID-19-related initiatives, and a €10 million investment from Vodafone Foundation in the emergency phase of the COVID-19 response in 2020.

Through face-to-face workshops, digital support, and an online learning platform, Vodafone Foundation is offering the opportunity to seniors to be active in an increasingly digital society. For more information, please visit https://www.vodafone.com/news/press-release/vodafone-foundation-announc…