I’m now launching my Laptops for Learning initiative in partnership with Lambeth Tech Aid in order to supply as many families in our area with the technology they need to carry out home schooling and distance learning over the coming weeks.
As we head into another full national lockdown (possibly until mid-February) families across the country are coping with the challenges of school closures at extremely short notice. This means all students in our secondary and primary schools, except for those of critical workers, will be expected to carry on their education via distance learning. Make no mistake, closing schools is a last-ditch attempt to bring down rampant infection rates. It signals the Government’s failure to keep the virus under control and prevent the NHS running beyond capacity.
For children without access to devices and internet, school closures will mean a virtual halt to their education. Across the country, Ofcom estimates there are up to 1.78 million children without access to a laptop, tablet or desktop device and 880,000 children living in households with only a mobile internet connection.
Throughout the pandemic, I’ve worked with local schools to deliver laptops, tablets and other devices to school pupils who would otherwise struggle to access them at home. Thanks to the support of our community, I’ve been able to distribute dozens of donated devices to five primary schools in Streatham: Jubilee, Sunnyhill, Richard Atkins, Holy Trinity and Woodmansterne.
Now I’m asking you for your support again at a pivotal moment for our children’s education.
You can donate to my Laptops for Learning initiative over at Lambeth Tech Aid’s website by clicking the image below.
Lambeth Tech Aid are also still seeking laptop donations. If you got a new device over the festive period, please click the link below to give your old one to someone in Streatham who needs one.
If you or your organisation want to put in a request for devices, you can also do that here: https://app.techaid.ju.ma/organisation-device-request