WDH donate laptops to help online learning

Local housing association WDH has donated 62 laptops to the WF Connect project to help disadvantaged children and young people in the Wakefield district with their remote learning.

During the pandemic, having access to the internet has been more important than ever to children and young people’s education. Young people in the district have reported that one of their main concerns throughout the pandemic has been that of digital poverty.

Accessing live online lessons and downloading school or college work has been vital to ensure pupils can continue learning at home. However, not all children have a suitable device or access to the internet. The 62 laptops donated by WDH will be completely refurbished, ready for the new owner to use.

Director of Housing at WDH, Mick Walsh said: “Digital poverty is a major challenge for many households across the district. Our donation will support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people with their home schooling and online learning, as well as helping them keep in touch with their friends and teachers during this challenging time.”

WF Connect is one of the many initiatives supported by the Residents Recovery Workstream, of which WDH is a member. The workstream helps to deliver projects and coordinates access to services to help people in response to the pandemic.

Cllr Maureen Cummings, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Poverty at Wakefield Council, said: “This is a fantastic donation, which will make a real difference to children and families in our district. It is vitally important that all young people have the equipment they need to continue to learn and study at home.

“We have distributed just over 100 laptops so far to children in our district which is making a tremendous difference.

“We ask residents and businesses to please donate your old or spare equipment, as well as new equipment, so we can continue to support families with home learning during this difficult time.”

WF Connect is accepting laptops, tablets and dongles as part of the cause. The devices must have a minimum of Microsoft Windows 7 installed and be in good working order. For more information, visit: www.wakefield.gov.uk/schools-and-children/wfconnect or e-mail digitaldonations@wakefield.gov.uk