Learning under lockdown has been made easier for students at Desborough College who do not have a computer at home, thanks to a gift of six laptops from the Rotary Club of Maidenhead.
The laptops were donated by individual Rotarians after club member Gurdial Singh saw a news report highlighting how students from poorer families were being most affected by studying at home under lockdown as they were less likely to have a computer. Gurdial, who is the club’s liaison person with Desborough, contacted the Shoppenhangers Road college to confirm they needed computers before appealing to club members for old or unwanted laptops.
“The club membership response was both rapid and positive,” said Gurdial. “Altogether we supplied six laptops between January 25 and February 3 to support home schooling during lockdown. This is part of our overall commitment to education and our school support programme.” He added: “We received more laptops than I envisaged - hats off to Maidenhead Rotary Club members for rising to the occasion.”
The laptops were donated by individual Rotarians after club member Gurdial Singh saw a news report highlighting how students from poorer families were being most affected by studying at home under lockdown as they were less likely to have a computer. Gurdial, who is the club’s liaison person with Desborough, contacted the Shoppenhangers Road college to confirm they needed computers before appealing to club members for old or unwanted laptops.
“The club membership response was both rapid and positive,” said Gurdial. “Altogether we supplied six laptops between January 25 and February 3 to support home schooling during lockdown. This is part of our overall commitment to education and our school support programme.” He added: “We received more laptops than I envisaged - hats off to Maidenhead Rotary Club members for rising to the occasion.”
 Rotarian Eddie Clarke drops off one of the laptops at Desborough College. | Rotarians who contributed laptops and assisted with their delivery were Eddie Clarke, Eddie Piekut, Jim Howles, John and Karen Yates and Rosario Sardo. Desborough’s technical team is currently setting up the laptops with the necessary software for the students to be able to use them. School spokeswoman Christana Sansom said: “What a wonderful thing to do. They are gratefully received by the students and staff of Desborough. Thank you Rotary.” |