Wolves Tech Aid delivers more devices to help school pupils

Wolves Tech Aid has handed over more donated laptops and tablets for school pupils in the city as work continues to bridge the digital divide.

The initiative, led by the City of Wolverhampton Council, recycles computers, laptops and tablets which are given to those who need them.

One in five children are unable to access online resources and complete homework.  

To help address this, more than 1,000 devices have been recycled and digitally cleaned by Wolves Tech Aid since the scheme began in 2021, with over 500 of those distributed to more than 14 schools.   

St. Peter’s Collegiate Academy is the latest school to take delivery of donated equipment that will make it easier for children without access to their own computers to get online to complete homework. A total of 30 devices were handed over to the school in Compton Road West this week.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Digital and Community Inclusion,Councillor Obaida Ahmed, said: “Wolves Tech Aid will not let up in its efforts to ensure that everyone has access to devices and connectivity from school pupils to the elderly.

“We are determined to see everyone in the city connected to the digital tools they need in an increasingly tech-driven world and we’ll leave no one behind.

“I urge residents and businesses who may have surplus laptops or devices to donate them to Wolves Tech Aid; they will be quickly put to use in helping people gain access to learning and essential services, as well as supporting social inclusion and cohesion.”

St Peter’s Collegiate Academy Safeguarding Lead, Jonathan Hall, said: “The donation of these devices comes at a great time for students, particularly those in our exam year groups.

“We are always looking at ways to help bridge the digital divide for pupils at St Peter's and massively appreciate the donation of these laptops.”

The latest donation of devices came from REPC Ltd, a social enterprise company that specialises in re-purposing IT equipment for reuse in communities across the UK. It gave 100 devices to Wolves Tech Aid with other schools to benefit from the donation in the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for REPC Ltd said: “We are thrilled to have assisted in the donation of 100 devices to the Wolves Tech Aid initiative, a step that aligns with our commitment to ensuring digital access for all.

“The swift allocation of these devices underscores the urgency and impact of our collective efforts and inspires us to further our support and remain dedicated to expanding digital opportunities for everyone."

Donated devices do not have to be in pristine condition. Even if they cannot be recycled, Wolves Tech Aid can use parts to refurbish other devices.

Anyone who would like to donate their old and redundant devices should contact digitalwolves@wolverhampton.gov.uk 

Businesses can donate unwanted devices to Tech Aid by contacting stefan.paszki3@wolverhampton.gov.uk for further information.  

Any individual wanting to donate to the scheme can hand in up to 10 devices at any city library.

Find the location and times at Find your nearest library | City Of Wolverhampton Council

To find out more, visit Wolves Tech Aid.