Camden pupils receive first set of laptops thanks to Crowdfunder
Schoolchildren across the Borough have started to receive laptops to learn at home thanks to over 285 donations for a Crowdfunder launched to end the ‘digital divide’ in Camden.
Earlier this year, Camden Learning launched its first-ever Crowdfunder to raise money to buy vital IT equipment for the borough’s most disadvantaged pupils and students to learn and complete schoolwork at home.
So far, the Crowdfunder has raised over £58,600 and the first set of laptops have been purchased and are being distributed to 20 schools in the Borough with the highest need.
As fundraising continues, the Council and Camden Learning will continue to buy the digital equipment needed to support even more children with their learning and development.
The support for this Crowdfunder has been overwhelming and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated and helped raise awareness of this important campaign. It is because of this incredible support that we’ve been able to start distributing laptops to those most in need, which I’m certain will make a huge difference to pupils' lives across the Borough.
Every £227 raised is another laptop for a Camden young person to access vital online learning and classes, so please continue sharing and donating what you can and together we can end the digital divide.
Last term, more than 3,000 Camden pupils were without access to a computer and, unless we can buy them digital kit to learn at home, many of these children risk falling behind and jeopardising their futures.
The Crowdfunder is open for donations until Wednesday 2 December. Find out more about the campaign and donate at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/end-the-digital-divide-for-camden-pupils
Laptops purchased through the Crowdfunder will be given to schools who will then directly distribute them to their pupils. Schools may also use them as emergency kit in instances when a 'bubble' may be sent home to self-isolate.
The first set includes 60 computers, which are in the process of being distributed to 20 schools in the Borough with the highest need. The Council and Camden learning will purchase more laptops and distribute them to other schools soon.