City of Kingston Council has partnered with local charity ‘This is IT’ to donate almost 200 end-of-life laptops to local secondary students of families experiencing financial hardship.
Mayor, Jenna Davey-Burns said equitable access to education was essential to ensure a fair go for all.
“Financial stress should never be a barrier to education, training or employment, and I love that our old laptops have been given a new life in the hands of our young learners,” the Mayor said.
“The idea that a young person would miss out on a comprehensive education because they didn’t have access to one is simply unjust.
“This innovative initiative very much aligns with our values and our commitment to an inclusive, safe and liveable city and I wholeheartedly encourage other councils and corporations to join us in partnering with This is IT on this simple but powerful social project.”
The laptops are being sent to fulfil requests for help from Kingston schools including Mordialloc Secondary College, Parkdale Secondary College, Oakwood School Chelsea, Westall Secondary College, and Cheltenham Secondary College.
This is IT Co-Founder, Andrew Simmons said his team remains committed to repurposing laptops, reducing electronic waste, and ensuring that every disadvantaged student in Victoria has access to a computer.
“Financial stress remains a major obstacle for many secondary students, hindering their engagement and academic progress and we want them to feel empowered,” Mr Simmons said.
“First established in 2020, This is IT has been able to not just re-direct old IT, but also solve what has become a huge issue of inequity within our schools. The 2000 laptops we have been able to re-direct will have a continued impact on the lives of the students that receive them, as well as their families.
“The feedback we have received from schools and families has been extremely positive and we are thrilled to be able to make a small difference to the lives of young people across the city,” he said.
