Chesterfield College has joined the Laptops for Kids campaign in Derbyshire and is calling on businesses and local residents to donate any surplus IT equipment. Donations will help to close the digital divide faced by many young people. The project provides students with vital work experience at the same time as refurbishing and redistributing devices to students who do not have access to technology for learning at home.
The initiative is part of the growing Laptops for Kids campaign. It aims to find a solution to the national problem where many school and college students either have no, or very limited, access to a computer, laptop or tablet to enable them to study from home effectively.
Giving devices a new lease of life
Under the watchful eye of their tutors and with the support of Laptops for Kids, students from Chesterfield College are refurbishing devices donated to the project by securely erasing, updating systems and renewing licences. Once the devices have been given a new lease of life they will be distributed to students in need of equipment to allow them to stay on track with their studies.
Laptops for Kids is providing practical support and expertise to facilitate the donation and safe erasure of equipment.
Closing the digital divide
Ebony Pascall, Curriculum Operations Manager for Digital, Media and Graphics at Chesterfield College said:
“The pandemic has highlighted the extent of the digital divide. We knew the problem was there before and now students are back in classrooms it still exists. The lack of access to appropriate digital devices at home has a big impact on a student’s ability to progress academically, and in life. Over the pandemic, we have provided as much equipment as we have to help students continue online learning. However, we know there is still a shortfall across the UK and in Derbyshire that will continue to have an impact on learning into the future. We want to play our part to address this.
“We have the skills and expertise in college to give IT equipment, which might be obsolete for local businesses or no longer used by households, a new lease of life. This can really help students to stay on track with their studies.
“This is a brilliant opportunity to develop the skills of our digital technologies students. It helps us to contribute and support our local community, as well as prevent waste going to landfill. I would therefore urge anyone with laptops, computers or tablets which are in good condition but might gathering dust in a cupboard, to donate equipment to help us destroy the digital divide.”
Working together to support young people
David Richards, CEO of data software company WANdisco plc and co-founder of the Laptops for Kids campaign, said: “Nearly one in 10 households are without a laptop, desktop or tablet, which makes it virtually impossible for young people to take part in remote learning.
“We are delighted Chesterfield College is joining the Laptops for Kids campaign and urge businesses and individuals to support the cause. With the world moving online, we need to make sure young people can access the opportunities they need to realise their dreams, whether classrooms are open or closed.”