Laptops for kids campaign is a huge success
A CAMPAIGN that set out to ensure every child in the town had access to a computer for home-learning during the lockdown is close to completing its mission.
Laptops for Learners was started by Ashbourne’s mayor Sean Clayton after hearing primary schools reporting shortages of laptops and tablets for some children who needed to get online to complete their lockdown lessons.
He set out to gather in donations of unwanted laptops and tablets and to raise £500 – but the number of devices submitted has almost surpassed what was needed and supporters have also donated £590 for other costs.
The campaign has had the help of fellow town councillor Ann Smith, who launched her own appeal around the same time. The pair are now working together and they have enlisted the help of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School to clean and wipe the devices ready to use.
Along with at least 60 computers, people have been donating printers - even including new cartridges in some cases - and the hunt is now on for Android mobile phones, which will help children with some of their remote lessons.
Cllr Smith said: “We’re finding people who need these devices aren’t the people you’d usually expect would need help.
“What it often is, where there are siblings, they may have just one device between them. And that’s a problem for them.
“Even if they also have a phone to use, that won’t necessarily do everything they need. They may not have access to software they need. ” To drop off useable laptops, tablets or printers, visit Ann Smith at 112 Park Avenue or call 07813 862703.
Where there are siblings, they may have just one device between them
Cllr Ann Smith