COMMUNITY centres, charities and an early learning centre have all benefited from a scheme to ensure Teesdale’s youngsters can access IT equipment.
The Rotary’s Satellite E-Club of Barnard Castle put out an appeal a year ago for donations of laptops, tablets, iPads and desktop computers that were no longer being used in December 2020 to ensure pupils had access to IT resources to continue their studies in lockdown.
After the initial appeal, more than 50 pieces of kit were offered by individuals and small businesses, with many being given to the project after donors received new equipment at Christmas.
The digitally cleaned and refurbished laptops and computers were then donated to primary and secondary schools in Teesdale.
Now, following a large donation from a London-based company, more kit is being distributed to community centres and social hubs.
Dr Richard Witham, chairman of the Rotary Satellite E-Club, said: “It is a project that has kept on going and going.
“The company donated 31 personal computers and about 29 laptops. I have gone through 31 of them and only two failed, which is not bad going.”
He added tech that is unable to be refurbished is used to replace missing or faulty parts, such as keyboard buttons.
“We have already provided four mini-PCs to Evenwood Community Action Group which works closely with Teesdale YMCA and North Star Housing in helping disadvantaged people across Teesdale and two are going to The Hub in Barnard Castle.
“We’ve got another six going to Utass – they are going to set them up in a room for the school children to do their homework.”
Gainford’s Art Group is also going to benefit from the laptops.
Money to refurbish the kit was raised through activities including a charity stall on Barney’s Wednesday market.
Dr Witham added: “We got £620 from our county councillors but we have raised most of the funds for the projects without any additional grants and we will probably have to start fundraising again.”
Donations of laptops, tablets and iPads are still being welcomed.
Ideally, laptops should be less than five or six years old and have Windows 7, 8 or 10 installed.
He said: “The thing with the iPads is they are great for young children.
“When you have early learners that don’t have key board skills, the touch screens are perfect for them.”
For information on how to donate, email rotarysatbc@gmail.com.
