When classrooms in England closed again, a nationwide call went out. It asked people and businesses to donate unused tech. Any laptop, tablet, monitor, or even an old smartphone can help a child learn at home.
Experts fix each device with efficiency. They wipe the data, install new software, and give the kit to families. These families lack a reliable way to join online lessons or access homework portals.
At NOTE Windsor we realised we were in a lucky position. We got extra desktop PCs, flat-panel screens, keyboards, and mice after last year’s IT upgrade. They would have only collected dust. We didn’t shelve the issue. We began a program for colleagues whose kids share devices or use borrowed gear. In just days, we set up 21 complete systems for employees’ families. This way, their children could join live lessons, submit work on time, and work with classmates. They did this without frozen screens or schedule conflicts.
The digital divide affects more than our team. We talked to primary and secondary schools in Windsor and Maidenhead. Headteachers shared stories of families managing three kids with one smartphone. They also noted students writing essays on small screens. We donated ten fully refurbished systems. Each one has a new operating system and essential educational software. They are ready to use right away.
If you have a spare laptop, PC, tablet, or mobile in a drawer, please consider giving it a new lease of life. The BBC’s “Make a Difference: Give a Laptop” portal shows trusted charities and community groups nationwide. A device you no longer need could keep a child’s education on track this term.