Council campaign is Making IT Happen for children and young people

Redbridge Council has launched a special crowdfunding campaign to ensure that all children and young people in the borough have access to a laptop to study at home during lockdown.

A child having access to a suitable laptop for remote learning makes all the difference to their education quality. However, it is estimated that nine percent of families in the UK do not have any laptop, desktop, or tablet at home. Many children are also missing online lessons while they share computers with siblings and their working parents.

The Making IT Happen campaign aims to provide a laptop to every Redbridge child who does not have access to a suitable online learning device. Once a child no longer needs a device, it will be returned to their school, which means that not only will it support a child who desperately needs it now, but it will continue to support education in the future too.

With every £200 raised, Redbridge Council will provide a child with a device. They will be distributed to a Redbridge school child who doesn’t have access to a remote learning device.

Redbridge Council has pledged to match-fund the donations, so the Council will provide the same – doubling the contribution for every penny donated.

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, commented “It is heartbreaking that children across our borough don’t have access to a laptop to study, watch online classes and do their homework.

 “The government has had nearly a year to address this issue, but the computers they’re delivering just aren’t enough. We are stepping up and match funding donations so together we can support local children through this difficult time.”

Cllr Elaine Norman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Children have suffered due to the pandemic. They’ve had to put up with so many changes while also worrying about their impact on their education.  

“Despite these worries looming over them, they have been nothing short of fantastic in the way they have dealt with everything. They have shown real determination and character.

“We’re therefore delighted to be launching this new crowdfunding campaign to help fund laptops for those who don’t have access to one.

"No child under our watch will be deprived of the equipment and support they need to maximise the full experience of their educational experience. And I would ask everyone to please make a small donation if they can. Every penny counts.”

The crowdfunding campaign aims to raise £25,000. To donate, please visit here.