Businesses are being asked to donate whatever computer equipment they can to help disadvantaged children learning from home across the Trafford.
The ‘laptops for learners’ scheme has been launched by council leader Coun Andrew Western.
He wrote to the borough’s ‘key businesses’, calling for donations to support families with home schooling.
The move follows the government decision to close all primary and secondary schools for onsite learning, except for pupils who are vulnerable or whose parents are classed as critical workers.
Now with the vast majority of children having to do their lessons at home, the council leader was concerned some do not have the necessary equipment.
Coun Andrew Western said: “Our borough boasts world-class education and we want that to continue during lockdown for every single child.
“What has been brilliant throughout this crisis is how businesses, the voluntary sector, residents and key stakeholders have come together to help each other out.
“Now I am asking businesses to donate what they can to support our children.”
Coun Western said that there are ‘very many children’ in Trafford who do not have access to a device that they can use on a full-time basis for learning.
This is either because households do not have a device, there might not be enough devices for each child or because parents are having to use the family device while they work from home.
Coun Western added: “Teachers and schools are doing an amazing job in providing lessons for children who are remote learning, while also teaching the children of essential workers.
“But children who don’t have access to a device and connectivity are at risk of being left behind and that is why I am appealing to Trafford businesses to donate what they can.
“I know this is a tough time for many businesses but every day without safe and seamless access to education is a tragedy for young people and your support would be greatly appreciated.”
The council is asking for donations of new laptops, tablets or 4G dongles/routers, which would then be donated to schools for distribution, or financial contributions to buy devices.
It also welcomes the opportunity to discuss the donation of used devices that meet a base specification and have been wiped of all data.
To pledge donations or for any queries regarding the donations, you can email laptopsforlearners@trafford.gov.uk.
