South Northants council and Brackley and Silverstone businesses donate computers to help school children

South Northants Council has donated 20 computers for the use of school children without access to digital technology for their online lessons

The council and businesses in Brackley and Silverstone are joining forces to donate computers to pupils to tackle digital poverty.

School closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic have meant pupils now need computers, laptops, tablets or iPads to keep up with online lessons and schoolwork while at home.

The lockdown and the closure of schools has exposed the digital divide with many children and families suffering because they do not have a computer.

The council has been working with The Community Larder to identify where the technology is most needed.

Councillor Karen Cooper, portfolio holder for Well-being at South Northants Council said:“Businesses in Silverstone and Brackley are also helping to prepare donated second-hand tech to assist with the huge demand that we have here in South Northants.”

“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.”

Miranda Wixon from The Community Larder said: “We have 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.”

With the support of the Northamptonshire Community Foundation the Community Larder is participating in the Tech4kids campaign to source further equipment.

Ms Wixon said: “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."

The council hopes to donate many more over the coming weeks and appeals to anyone who can donate surplus technology to get in touch with the Community Larder.

* Northamptonshire Community Larders are a community food hub based at Brackley, Bugbrooke, Roade and Towcester. For more details contact [email protected]