Remote Learning Support for Rhayader Pupils

First batch of recycled PCs and laptops distributed to Rhayader Pupils belonging to low-income families.

13:40 25 January 2021

Rhadayer residents have come together to distribute recycled PCs and laptops to pupils attending Wales Primary School for their remote learning at home. The school was attended by children of key workers and vulnerable children.

 

Powys County Council's education department has previously distributed 10 laptops and a number of MiFi devices but they weren't just enough. More families were left without access to the much-needed technology during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

 

Parent Gemma Jones has organised a community project with IT consultant Keith Fielding. They asked the community to donate old and redundant PCs and laptops for children in the community. 

 

On Monday, the first batch of renewed devices was distributed to parents that didn't have a device at home or families that needed additional equipment so siblings could learn simultaneously. 

 

Headteacher Linda Crockett said: “We are confident that all families who requested digital devices have now had what they need for the children to carry out the home schooling.

 

“It shows what can be done when everyone works together. The local authority supplied what they were able to but the demand for equipment across Powys schools was unprecedented.

 

“The internet in a rural area like Rhayader can be a challenge but with the community support and the MiFi dongles mean we have been able to support every family and ensure the learning opportunities are provided for everyone.”