Businesses urged to donate funds, laptops to tackle digital divide
Posted on: 11 January 2021
As schools nationwide today begin a period of remote learning, Trinity College Dublin and Camara Ireland are appealing urgently for more businesses to get involved in their drive to supply laptops to disadvantaged students.
The Tech2Students campaign aims to deliver 3,000 devices to vulnerable communities nationwide. NUI Galway, the NUIG Access Centre, the Galway City Partnership and the Galway Chamber are partnering with the scheme in its current phase.
The scheme is asking the public and businesses to get involved by donating their used laptops – dating from 2015 on after – and Chromebooks or by giving a financial donation to fund refurbished laptops for second-level students, those in direct provision and disadvantaged students in adult education.
Tech2Students was developed in April 2020 by Trinity Access (TCD) and Camara Ireland in response to the digital divide experienced by students in DEIS schools that was exacerbated by COVID-19. Phase 1 raised over €300,000 and delivered over 1,000 devices.
Since Phase 2 of the campaign started in December with support from Rethink Ireland, Tech2Students has received 166 donations from companies and members of the public. It has also refurbished and delivered 75 laptops. It is now appealing for more support as the introduction of Level 5 restrictions mean virtually all students will have to rely on technology to access education. Donations can be small; one refurbished device costs from €300 (at the cheapest) while €10,000 could provide 33 students with internet access.
A survey recently conducted by Tech2Students indicated that 55% of DEIS school students reported they had limited or no access to a device.
Dr Cliona Hannon, director of Trinity Access Programmes at Trinity College Dublin, said:
These are very difficult times for many businesses, but if you are in a position to donate used laptops or give a financial contribution to this crisis project , I urge you to please do so, as a digital divide will limit the potential of thousands of our young people.
The scheme is accepting donations at its workspace in Dublin and can also facilitate monthly collections in the Dublin and Galway city and surrounding areas. Please contact the scheme at tech2students@ta21.ie if you have any questions and/or would like to get involved.
For more background see here.
Camara Ireland is part of the Camara Education family, a global network with a mission to transform education using technology to empower disadvantaged students. For more information on Camara see here.
ENDS