National Grid is donating a thousand laptops to school children and young adults across the UK to support home learning during the coronavirus lockdown.
The refurbished laptops, which are collectively worth over £200,000 (€220,000), are being distributed in partnership with five charities.
Around 800 devices are being distributed to primary and secondary schools to support home-learning for their pupils with the remainder going to youth charity The Prince’s Trust.
Prince’s Trust deputy chief executive Ian Jeffers said: “Covid-19 has made life harder for young people who are already facing multiple barriers.
“The laptops from National Grid, along with connectivity packages, will make a significant difference to what our young people can achieve in the coming weeks and months and will be a key way for our network of volunteer mentors and youth workers to stay connected with young people during lockdown.”
Over 50 laptops, each with a ‘Griddles’ the bear (pictured), have already been distributed to Cambois Primary School in Blyth, Northumberland and will help young pupils to keep in touch with their teachers during the lockdown and will then be returned to the school for continued use once it reopens.
National Grid responsible business head Jeremy Cohen said: “Even as thousands of primary schools prepare for the potential of re-opening next month, there can be no doubt that many children will be feeling the effects of time away from the classroom and either having to compete with other family members for access to technology or having nothing at all.
“We’re delighted therefore to be working with these charities, which are playing an essential role in supporting schools and young people at this challenging time.”
National Grid has also made a £500,000 donation to the National Emergencies Trust and the Trussell Trust and is encouraging colleagues to volunteer for half a day a week to support their local communities.