Ballance donation boosts college’s technology suite
Ballance Agri-Nutrients has donated 40 laptops and 15 computers toKatikati College, providing awelcome boost to the school’s technology suite.
The donation initiative was a partnership between Ballance and the Katikati Rotary club, that would see more than 250 laptops donated to schools in the Bay of Plenty and the Pacific.
The college has recently introduced a BYOD(Bring Your OwnDevice) policy, and Katikati College principal Carolyn Pentecost said the new laptop and desktop computers would allow all students access to a computer.
“Students whomay not have been able to afford their own devicewill now be able to use these computers like they’re their own.
“It’swonderful to be able to remove barriers for our students and give all our kids the opportunity to access technology.”
Mrs Pentecost said it was a great example of community partnership, with Rotary, BallanceAgri-Nutrients and the college working together to get the computers into the hands of those that need them.
Katikati Rotary member and computer specialist John Buchanan has also beenworking with the college’s technology technician, Karri Butler, and deputy principal Louise Buckley to help get the computers up and running in the classrooms.
Ballance’s regional sales manager Claire Bekhuis was there in person to hand the computers over to the school.
“It’s great to see the college put these devices to such good use. Working togetherwith Rotary, we’ve been able to provide amuch needed resource boost to our school community,” Ms Bekhuis said.