Community effort delivers donated tech gear to South Northamptonshire schoolkids

Charities, businesses and the local council are coming together to give kids from two Northamptonshire village schools a helping hand with their home learning.

Blakesley and Kislingbury schools have taken delivery of 20 computers for those pupils who have been struggling to get online while studying away from school during the lockdown.

South Northamptonshire District Council has worked with Northamptonshire Community Larder to identify where the technology is most needed.

And businesses in Silverstone and Brackley are helping prepare donated second-hand tech to meet the huge demand.

Councillor Karen Cooper, portfolio holder for well-being at SNDC, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the divide that exists between those young people who have their own computer and those who do not have access to one at home.”

"All children and young people should have the tools to give them the best start in life and bridging the technology gap is so important in helping them to achieve their potential regardless of background.”

“I hope these computers help make home learning just that little bit easier for those families that need it.”

The council hopes to donate many more computers, laptops and tablets ahead of the planned return to face-to-face teaching in schools next month.

Anyone who can donate surplus technology can get in touch with the Community Larder, which has already delivered thousands of food boxes to the elderly and vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Community Larder founder, Miranda Wixon, said: “We identified an urgent need for a further 200 computers in South Northants where children are not able to participate fully in lessons due to not having appropriate equipment at home.

“Every day lost to education is a day too many so the need to raise the profile of this campaign is most pressing. As soon as we have the equipment it can be passed straight into the hands of children who need it."