Along with the laptops, library cards and a booklet with an overview of the services available to young people were also sent out, giving information on activities accessible through the borough’s libraries, such as online code clubs and free film streaming services.
A team of volunteers from across the council helped to unload and store the PCs on Monday, then Lambeth school drivers delivered the first batch to almost 60 schools across the borough the following day.
Word from Cabinet
Councillor Ed Davie, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People was on hand to support the volunteers and said: “We’re distributing these laptops as part of our support for people and families during this difficult period.
“The support is also including food vouchers for students on free school meals and art materials, as well as this IT. We want to go further to help young people: we’ve backed the football player Marcus Rashford’s successful campaign to get the government to extend the support for kids on free school meals throughout the summer holidays.
“We’re also supporting the mayor’s campaign to stop the government from taking away London children’s free use of public transport.”
Department for Education
The computers were part of an initiative launched by the Department for Education to ensure that children and young people are able to access technology to continue their learning.
More information
There are still laptops available for Lambeth children with social workers: to find out if you’re eligible email dfedevices@lambeth.gov.uk.
The council is also backing Lambeth Citizens fundraising push ‘Digital Divide: Bridging Education Inequalities in Lambeth’ – for more information visit their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lambeth-citizens
