Whitings Hill Primary School is among the recent beneficiaries of a borough-wide Digital Inclusion project to repurpose surplus computer chrome books and laptops for use in schools across Barnet.
Such is the shortage computer hardware that in some schools two or even three pupils have to share a keyboard and computer screen when completing online class work.
CB Plus –formerly Community Barnet – is appealing to employees in businesses and commercial enterprises to alert company managements to opportunities to recycle and reuse laptops and chrome books which might otherwise be scrapped.
Over 200 reconditioned machines were distributed to local schools during the last 12 months.
Staff at computer specialists 4WaySolutions of Potters Bar carry out repairs free of charge and clear donated machines of any outstanding data so they are ready for school use.
At schools where there is a shortage of equipment, teachers are overjoyed when at last each pupil can work on their own during lessons on subjects such as maths and English which have online sessions and reading tests.
“What is so empowering about the project is that instead of two or three children having to share a chrome book each child can work at their own speed and they can each be assessed individually by the teacher,” says Helen Harte, director of operations for CB Plus.
School prefects at Whitings Hill welcomed a delegation from CB Plus when 30 chrome books were handed over – a generous donation which headteacher Deepa Samani said was so appreciated by the pupils.
Underhill councillor Zahra Beg, who is Barnet Council’s cabinet member for equalities and the voluntary and community sector, was present for the handover – see above, back row, from left to right, Deepa Samani, headteacher; Helen Harte, CB Plus; Councillor Zahra Beg; Julie Pal, chief executive, CB Plus; Liv Cleverly, CB Plus; and Emma |Harte, CB Plus.
Moss Hall Junior School in Finchley was presented with 30 chrome books by CB Plus in November.
Helen Harte (far right, above) said the pupils gave them a heartwarming welcome.
“They cheered and clapped and told us how much they enjoyed being able to work online on their own during lessons without having to share a keyboard and screen.
“With the help of our donations of chrome books and laptops teachers can allow children from low-income families take a machine home.
“All the feedback we get from schools we have been helping is that literacy and numeracy skills have improved across the board.
“It is when you hear how some children are forced to try to do their homework on a parent’s mobile phone – because there is no computer or laptop in the house – that you realise the extent of digital poverty.
“We were joined at the presentation at Moss Hall by Alex and Hector from 4WaySoltuions at Potters Bar.
“They told us how much it had meant to them to see the delight on the faces of pupils at school receiving donated machines which they had been able to recondition and repurpose for school use.”
Ms Harte said that as well as appealing to employees to encourage companies to donate surplus laptops and chrome books, the public could help support the project by making donations.
“Our big expense is having to buy replacement chargers for laptops and chrome books.
“Each charger can cost £10 or £12, and we had to spend £3,000 on replacements last year, so all donations are welcome.”
💻Find out more about the Digital Inclusion Project and #donate here now: https://loom.ly/PuThnkY
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