The Rotary clubs of Wellingborough have joined forces to launch an urgent appeal for laptops and other unwanted devices to help schools in the borough satisfy a huge demand for home-schooling help.
In just two weeks 35 laptops have been refurbished, updated and delivered to nine primary schools in the town and surrounding villages, however the need is great and Rotary Club of Wellingborough and The Rotary Club of Wellingborough Hatton are appealing for business owners and homeowners to clear-out their unwanted goods before the February half-term (12 Feb – 22 Feb).
Nigel Anderson, Home Schooling IT Project Manager for Wellingborough Rotary Club, said: “Two weeks ago we answered an urgent appeal by the headteacher of Wilby Primary School for help in sourcing some Amazon Kindle Fires for children working from home.
“We immediately got to work, and agreed a to set aside a budget to purchase two Amazon Kindle Fires for Wilby Primary School and create a fund to help others.”
The charitable organisations rely on donations from the public. The unwanted machines are then delivered to Wellingborough-based computer repair service, Revitalized-IT who help to wipe, update and refurbish the donated equipment or crush and recycle donations unsuitable for use.
Nigel added: “Unfortunately some of the equipment is too old with no WI-FI so about 50 per cent of those donated recently could not be used. In an ideal world the items will be WI-FI compatible and able to support Windows 10, we can take care of getting them tested and if they cannot be used, they are crushed and destroyed free of charge.”
Funds have grown from an initial £2000 from the Wellingborough Rotary Club to £6,000 following two £1,000 grants for each club from the District Rotary and the merger of funds from Wellingborough Hatton Rotary who also set up a £2,000 fund.
Nigel added: “Since we joined forces, we have had a steady stream of donations and we have also used some of the money to purchase refurbished laptops. Since launching we have donated 35 laptops to schools and two Amazon Kindle Fires, another 11 machines are currently being cleaned and wiped ready to go out.
“One business man had a clear-out and donated nine old machines. We don’t yet know if they’re viable. The problem is, the Government promised the roll-out of equipment, however senior schools take priority and this has left some primary schools desperate for help. Criteria also has to be met, so those what were initially promised five only qualify for one and are still waiting.
“This is an urgent appeal. The schools need the help now.”
To donate your unwanted laptops and tablets, find our more or arrange the collection of your unwanted goods contact Nigel Anderson: nigel.anderson.na@gmail.com 07881854943
Since launching two weeks ago the 35 machines have been refurbished, updated and delivered to the following primary schools:
Wilby CEVA Primary
Freemans Junior School
Ruskin Academy
Redwell Academy
Little Harrowden School
Victoria Primary Academy
Olympic School
Park Junior School
Warwick Primary School