Laptops to Enrich Lives of Pupils and Parents

By Chris Brayshay

A CHARITY has donated thousands of pounds’ worth of computer equipment to improve children’s learning experience – and help unemployed parents find work.All 140 parents of year seven pupils at Redcar Community College have been given a laptop computer, and useful software, thanks to a grant of [pounds]20,000 from IT charity, North East e-Learning Foundation (NEELF).The college’s catchment zone includes deprived areas such as Dormanstown, but the computers have also been distributed to families who are not deprived, in a ground-breaking initiative for Teesside.More than one in six people living around the college are not in full-time education, training or employment.The school is hoping that in the next few years, every pupil will have a laptop and free internet access.The scheme was welcomed by the town’s MP, Vera Baird, who said: “Not only are children learning vital skills for their futures, but adults can also use the computers to improve their job prospects.”IT skills are vital in the modern economy, and it’s crucial to give young people the best chance, as the NEELF are helping to do. It is an excellent scheme.”The charity, which was started in 2004, focuses on bridging the social divide between those who can afford and have computers, and those who do not.David Kennedy, deputy headteacher, said: “We wanted to make an impact in the community, and I hope that in three years’ time, we will have a school where everybody has a laptop and free internet access.”The benefits are enormous, and affect the whole family. With free internet access, they are able to learn everything from home shopping to internet banking.”The scheme will enable parents to monitor their children’s progress at school, while Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s adult learning team provides encouragement and help for the grown-ups.Families are being given introductory tutorials and coaching, to familiarise them with their laptops.Headteacher Stuart Rees said: “Watching the parents and their children enjoying learning together has been one of the most inspirational educational experiences of my career, and the activity encapsulates all that we are trying to do as a school to raise the aspirations and attainment of our students and the wider community.”

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