Knockbreck Primary takes delivery of laptops from Asda to help pupils learn remotely
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN Easter Ross primary school took receipt of a surprise delivery aimed at helping ensure all children can learn from home.
Knockbreck in Tain welcomed local Asda community champion Sean MacIvor as he handed over ten laptops as part of the supermarket’s initiative to provide 7000 of the devices across the UK.
In January, the supermarket formed a partnership with technology provider Dell to invest over £2 million so that every Asda store in the UK, including Asda Tain could donate at least 10 laptops to a school in need in their local community.
The Asda store on Knockbreck Road nominated the nearby primary for the laptops which come with a tech bundle to support home learning.
According to Ofcom, around one in 10 children in the UK don’t have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet at home, leaving some at risk of falling behind.
Each school will manage the distribution to priority pupils.
Mr MacIvor said: “I’ve a really close relationship with Knockbreck Primary School and I know what a massive difference this donation is going to make to both the school and to the families who will receive these laptops. I’m pleased Asda can help to play a small part in helping to break down the digital barriers so they can children can continue their education remotely both now and in the future.”
Greg Humble, acting depute head teacher at Knockbreck said: “We can’t thank Asda and Dell enough for choosing our school to receive these laptops. This donation will go a long way in helping children gain access to the technology and data packages that will help to break down some of the digital barriers we face.”
The school’s digital team took receipt of the laptops on behalf of the school and enjoyed helping set them up for the children who will receive them.
Asda launched the initiative to support schools in its communities that are struggling with digital exclusion. According to Ofcom, around nine per cent of children in the UK – between 1.1 million and 1.8 million – do not have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet at home. These children are primarily from disadvantaged backgrounds and at risk of falling further behind with their education.
Each laptop comes with a tech bundle that includes a headset and a mobile internet dongle with a data allowance of 20gb from Asda’s network partner Vodafone. The dongle and data allowance has been funded by a separate £500,000 contribution from the retailer’s charity arm, The Asda Foundation.
