Laptops donation is a real boost
Around 700 old police laptops are to be donated to help young people in the region without access to a computer.
The move is designed to make sure all children can catch up at home on missed work as the schools reopen.
The donation has been approved by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson.
Over the coming months, the laptops will be given to pupils in the region to help them with their education and allow them to catch up on the school they may have missed out on.
The first school to receive laptops is Holly Lodge High School, in Smethwick.
Mr Jamieson said: “I am delighted that we have been able to donate these laptops to those in the region who desperately need them to complete or catch up with their education.
“I know only too well, having been a head teacher in inner-city schools, the difficulties that young people can face.
“The pandemic has presented a new level of challenge for pupils and teachers and for those without access to technology this may have had a severe impact on their learning.
“Even when schools reopen, this issue of digital poverty will remain.
“It is good that we have been able to take advantage of our links with schools because of our cadet programme. That’s helping us roll out the laptops quicker than it ordinarily would.”
School staff have also spoken of their gratitude.
Holly Lodge High School’s headteacher, Paul Shone, added: “These laptops will make a real difference to our pupils.
“For some children working from home is more of a challenge than for others as they simply don’t have access to the technology they need to work remotely.
“There is a lot of catching up for children to do over the next few weeks, months and years and gestures like this from the Police and Crime Commissioner are most welcome.”
