Crossing the Digital Divide: Sakina's story

Feeling left behind in the digital world

Before, mum-of-three Sakina only had an old mobile phone at home. It was "slow and unsuitable" - whenever her loved ones needed to complete homework or research for school, they struggled. This caused "stress at home" and left Sakina feeling "guilty" that she was "unable to give her children the same opportunities as others."

She also often avoided using digital services because "she didn’t understand the language" and was "afraid of making mistakes." She "relied on others for help" - which left her "lacking confidence."

Thankfully, Sakina was referred by a friend to Skills Enterprise, a hub that is part of the National Digital Inclusion Network.

Building the foundations to learn and succeed

She began attending the digital one-to-one support sessions offered by the hub. At first, Sakina was "nervous" but "gradually started to build her confidence." She also joined the hub's regular Learn My Way sessions and practiced her digital skills step-by-step.

To improve her English, she attended conversational English classes. The digital skills training and English classes gave Sakina the foundation she needed to learn and succeed.

Receiving AI skills support, devices and data

To advance her digital skills further, Sakina attended the hub's AI workshops. Here, she was able to learn how AI could support her everyday life - exploring tools such as ChatGPT, Google Assistant and Alexa.

Sakina also received a new mobile phone and laptop through the National Device Bank and free data through the National Databank.

The data, devices and skills support has not only transformed Sakina's life but her family members' too.

The impact of digital support

With a laptop and internet connection, her loved one's can complete their homework properly, access online learning platforms and keep up with their classmates. Now, Sakina feels relieved and proud that she can support their education in the way she always wanted to.

She can also communicate in English "more comfortably", use digital tools to access information, manage tasks and connect with services. She's also able to use AI for cooking recipes, setting reminders and answering questions.

Independence, confidence and hope

Sakina feels "independent, confident and hopeful" and "no longer hesitates" to try new technology. Learning English alongside digital skills has helped her "feel included in the community."

She now looks forward to the future. With her new skills, she is planning to start a home-based cooking business. The combination of English, digital skills and AI has given her the tools "to dream bigger and take real steps toward improving her family’s future."

She said: 

"Before, I only had an old phone and found it very hard to help my children. I didn’t have confidence, and I always needed help from others. Now I have a laptop, a phone, and internet, and it makes everything easier. I can use AI for recipes and learning, and my children can do their homework. I feel confident to speak in English and to use technology. My life has completely changed, and I am very grateful for all the support."