A CAMPAIGN to provide computers to 2,400 students launched by the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has received a £20,000 boost.
The #GettingStudentsOnline campaign has received the donation from the Westminster Foundation, representing the charitable activity of the Duke of Westminster.
The campaign aims to provide computers to the 2,400 students in the area who currently have no means to take part in online schooling. Students will have a minimum six-month gap in schooling which for some can equate to the loss of up to a full year of academic progress, with concern mounting nationally on the impact this will have on overall attainment levels and career prospects.
LEP chairman Clare Hayward (pictured) said: “Since the launch of the campaign on June 1 we have seen a ground-swell of support from companies across our region including LFI, Port Swigger, AO, Engie, Storengy, SSG Advisory and Schoeller Allibert. These companies have got involved as they recognise how critical it is to support our young people. After all, they are the next generation of employees, and we must all invest in their futures.”
Kate Brown, director of the Westminster Foundation said: “The #GettingStudentsOnline campaign is a great example of how organisations are working collectively to minimize the effects of lockdown. We can’t risk young people without access to the internet or digital technology becoming further isolated, or falling further behind, than they already might due to the gap in schooling.
“The Westminster Foundation is focused on providing children and young people with the best possible start in life, and access to education plays a central role in that. So we would like to thank the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership for co-ordinating this important campaign.”
Ms Hayward added: “I would like to thank the Westminster Foundation for their support, which will directly help at least 100 students. We are extremely grateful to them, and all of the businesses that are supporting our campaign – together we really are making a significant difference to learning and life chances.”
If you would like to support the campaign visit http://www.871candwep.co.uk/getting-students-online/
