Sohana's Story
Starting afresh as a young asylum seeker.
For Sohana, having a laptop meant being able to study, chat to friends and access therapy - all vital parts of adjusting to a new life in the UK.
Digital exclusion disproportionately affects students from disadvantaged backgrounds; leading to lower grades and increased drop-outs and exacerbating existing inequalities in higher education.
When Sohana arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker, she and her family had almost nothing – just the clothes they were wearing and a small bag of essentials. They moved into an empty flat, far from the life and loved ones they had known. Despite this upheaval, Sohana wanted to continue her university studies and rebuild her future.
Refugees and asylum seekers often face:
Severe financial hardship, making devices and internet access unaffordable
Language barriers, which require even more online tools and resources
Trauma and displacement, increasing their need for digital access to support, services, and community
When you combine all of this, digital exclusion can delay education, limit access to healthcare and legal advice, and deepen isolation.
Without a laptop, Sohana tried to keep up with her assignments using only her phone. Writing essays on a small screen, accessing academic journals, or joining online seminars was slow and frustrating. She had to rely on library computers, which meant strictly limited hours and long journeys.
The Challenge
At the same time, Sohana was dealing with trauma from the violence and instability she’d escaped. She wanted to access online counselling, connect with refugee support groups, and stay in touch with friends and family abroad, but without a reliable device, even these steps towards healing felt out of reach.
Sohana was connected with Tech‑Takeback Foundation through a charity referral. We provided a refurbished laptop that allowed her to:
Keep up with university coursework
Access online counselling sessions
Stay connected with loved ones via video calls and messaging
We made sure the laptop was set up with the tools she needed for studying and communication, and that she knew how to access safe online spaces for support.
How we helped
Your support can help refugees and asylum seekers access vital support, rebuild lives and maintain contact with family and loved ones
Donate laptops to support refugees and asylum seekers
Partner with us to sponsor devices and training
Apply for a laptop for yourself, for a loved one or for someone you're supporting.
Change a life today
Six months later, Sohana is thriving at university. She uses her laptop every day to write assignments, join seminars, and take part in group work. The same laptop also supports her weekly online therapy, and her mental health is steadily improving. She has found new friends through local and online groups for young refugees who truly understand her experience.
Life with a laptop
“Everything is different here. But being able to study, and talk to friends... that makes life feel better.”
Social value of reuse
Using HACT Social Value Insights, the social value generated through Sohana's refurbished laptop is
£25,300
Case studies are based on real beneficiary journeys. Some names and identifying details have been altered to protect confidentiality, but each story represents the genuine challenges faced by the communities we serve.
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Digital exclusion affects people from all walks of life, for all sorts of reasons. Whatever the circumstances, Tech-Takeback Foundation is here to help, with laptops and support packages that are as individual as the people they're designed to support.
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Leila was able to access vital support when she needed it most.