Children in Northumberland will be further supported in their education following a Newcastle business donating laptop computers to a local school, with the help of Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP and Alnwick County Councillor Gordon Castle.
In total, 75 computers have been donated by financial technology business, True Potential, to schools since January’s lockdown began. The Duchess’s Community High School in Northumberland is the latest to receive new devices and adds to an overwhelming response from the community in supporting children with their education during lockdown and beyond.
True Potential and its partner organisation, the Harrison Foundation, donated over £350,000 in 2020 to help manage the effects of COVID-19. Beneficiaries of the donations included hospices, care providers, homelessness organisations, youth services, health and well-being charities as well as schools.
The Duchess's Community High School Co-Headteachers said:
" We feel very lucky to have been in receipt of such a generous community response during this crisis. This and other kind donations allow us to best support children in accessing online learning during lockdown and then during the recovery curriculum in the months ahead. We would like to thank True Potential and all other kind donors that have made such a difference."
The day after January’s lockdown was announced, True Potential, which is based in Newcastle and employs 300 people, responded quickly by buying new laptops for schools. In addition the firm is offering a number of its unused and reconditioned laptops.
True Potential’s Chief Executive, Daniel Harrison, said:
“As a parent I know this lockdown has been especially challenging. Trying to do a job and teach children at the same time is difficult enough. Then there’s the extra obstacle of having sufficient computers so children can learn and work.
“That’s why we moved quickly to purchase new laptops as well as reconditioning some of our surplus computers. I think it’s important that businesses do what they can to support their local communities and I’m pleased we can play a part in that.
“I’m grateful to Anne-Marie for connecting us with Alnwick Duchess’s School and helping to ensure more young people can continue their education in these difficult circumstances.”
Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP added:
“This is a generous contribution from a very community minded business whose actions have benefited many local causes needing support. I know that this excellent high school will value them and use them fittingly. Not only did this support remote learning but it will be of great benefit to local school pupils beyond this lockdown.
“The firm also provided thousands of food parcels to vulnerable and isolated people across the UK through its national network of over 4,000 financial advisers. Well done True Potential!”
Photo: L-R Alnwick County Councillor Gordon Castle, Duchess High School co-headteachers Alan Rogers and James Wilson.