This month KARI Foundations partnership with Optus and the Donate Your Data program has seen breakthrough moments that have created a positive impact for vulnerable youth and our broader community.
The Donate Your Data Program provides eligible recipients’ access to a free prepaid sim service-providing minimum of 10G data a month and unlimited standard national talk & text.
OPTUS and KARI Foundation are committed to ensuring our young people stay connected to their family, friends and community; a goal we hope to achieve through this program.
Across April, KARI Foundation distributed the first round of 500 free sim cards to Aboriginal youth attending all levels of education. This program is continuing to show positive outcomes in youth staying connected and their ability to access education.
Launching initially with charity partners, like the KARI Foundation, Optus will be providing free Optus SIM cards to young Australians in need, equipping them with unlimited national standard talk and text and 10GB data for use locally, which will be topped up with extra data donated by Optus customers. Eligible post-paid and pre-paid mobile customers can now donate their data to young Australians who need it most via the telco’s mobile app
Jane* a mother of five children in South Western Sydney said,
“With my children not being able to attend school I had no idea how we were going to afford the internet needed to allow them to continue home schooling. When Josh from the KARI Foundation contacted us about this program I broke down on the phone knowing my kids would still be able to keep up with their school work and stay connected to family and friends.”
This is the second year of the Optus and the KARI Foundation partnership, which includes opportunities for young people to gain mentoring, financial assistance and participate in Optus programs, which empower students to understand the digital landscape and prepare for future careers and employment.
Casey Ralph KARI CEO said,
“Our partnership with Optus continues to deliver during this time of need. Together we have been able to provide refurbished laptops, mentoring and now the Donate Your Data Program. I have no doubt that this program will have positive education outcomes but ensure mental wellness for our youth having stayed connected”.
For information about the Donate Your Data program go to: https://www.optus.com.au/about/sustainability/community/donate-your-data
