A COMPUTING company has launched an appeal for donations of old and redundant laptops, computers or tablets to allow children from struggling families learning from home.

Padiham company Rapid IT have launched a ‘Tech 4 All Kids’ campaign where they will take donated devices and securely wipe and repair them before offering them to local schools to give to children of Burnley, Pendle and the Ribble Valley who are struggling to learn from home due to the lack of IT equipment.

Managing director, Jack Bannister said: “Every child has a right to an education and it's concerning to think of any pupil struggling at home to do their work because they don't have access to a laptop or computer.

“Every day we’re hearing stories of teenagers doing coursework on mobile phones and primary school pupils having to wait their turn for the family laptop or computer while their parents and siblings split work and learning.

“Given that so many people have old technology lying around the house; in cupboards, drawers and under beds, we are calling for their help to make a difference.

“Businesses too may have redundant stock in storerooms and under desks; we can take it and re-use it for good."

In 2020, the Government said they will provide one million laptops to disadvantaged students to support them through remote learning - however some schools still have pupils without the proper access to technology needed for them to learn at home.

Rapid IT already has good relationships with several local schools in the area and is currently making contact to discuss their requirements and any shortfalls they may have.

Jack added: “Given that so much schoolwork is now online, necessitating the need for a computer, we just want to ensure that everyone in our local community has the right equipment to facilitate learning.”

“We’ll need to assess the quality of the hardware prior to it being upgraded with the latest software ready for use, but if not suitable, we are committed to recycling those products free of charge.”

Anyone wishing to donate a laptop should go www.rapidit.co.uk/donate to register their details and find out where to drop the devices off.