Laptops donation a boost to YMCA

A $10,000 Freemasons’ grant has enabled the YMCA South and MidCanterbury to bolster its information technology arsenal.

The donation from Timaru Lodge Koranga No 197 and the Wellington Freemasons Charity enabled the purchase of 10 new laptops which the YMCA took possession of on Monday.

YMCA general manager Keith Shaw said he was extremely grateful for the grant with the laptops assigned to the Education and Training Centre where Y•Skills programmes are taught.

The programmes are free to 16 to 19 year-olds to work towards Level 1 and 2 NZQA qualifications.

‘‘[The grant] allows the organisation to continue to invest in the next generation and empower young people to be the best that they can be.’’

Shaw said having new technology improved the teaching and learning environment which in turn ‘‘enhanced the ability to keep young people engaged’’. Lodge Koranga secretary Paul Johnston said he was pleased the lodge could help.

The handing over of laptops to the YMCA. From back left, Paul Johnston (Freemason Timaru), Jeff Elston (Freemason South Island manager), Linda Callaghan (YMCA tutor), Robin Fuller (Freemason Timaru); front from left, YMCA students Trystana Howard, Sammie Ritchie, Olivia Allen, Morgan Sweetman.