About Laptops for Kids
Laptops for Kids was launched to ensure that every child gets safe access to the internet so they can fulfil their educational potential. In a time of national crisis, the public, private and third sectors have come together to solve this problem.
Laptops for Kids was instigated by David Richards, founder of data software company WANdisco plc, and Nancy Fielder, editor of The Star newspaper in Sheffield.
Businesses, organisations and individuals have generously supported the campaign. We thank you for your continued support!
How we source donations
Laptops for Kids is appealing for new and used devices and publicises its work through the local, regional and national media. To donate, please visit your local campaign:
Laptops for Kids has launched a fundraising appeal, Cash for Connectivity, to purchase internet-enabled dongles for the households in the North of England who need to get online. To donate, visit the appeal GoFundMe page.
How we refurbish donated devices
Blancco, the industry standard in data erasure, has donated licences to the campaign for the secure erasure of donated devices. Buy it Direct, the UK online retailer, is refurbishing donated devices at scale while Sheffield-based IT and risk management specialist TecSec is supporting the wiping and re-imaging process in the heart of the city centre. Students at the WANdisco Data Academy at The Sheffield College are also refurbishing devices as part of their course work.
How we are expanding
Laptops for Kids is expanding its scope to address challenges around access to learning in the North of England and help ensure education is fit for purpose in the post-Covid digital economy. The campaign is developing and sharing models and policies to ensure every child has access to the technology and connectivity they need to fulfil their potential.
How we source new devices
The supply chain for new computers has come under pressure during the pandemic as businesses and schools switched to remote working. Laptops for Kids is partnering with Dell Technologies to source new devices.
Dayne Turbitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Dell Technologies in the UK, said: “The digital divide has been exposed in the UK like never before. Many people have limited access to remote learning which is negatively impacting education. We are proud to work with charities like Laptops For Kids to provide technology to help young learners get access to digital learning.”
