The Laptop Project
We are providing upcycled laptops to Morisset High School for financially disadvantaged students.
Connecting Students in Need with Digital Devices
The PROBLEMS are…
- The Australian Government’s roll out of laptops in schools in 2009 was a “one-off” and has not been repeated!
- In subsequent years, the academic performance and socialisation for some students have been severely impacted owing to financial constraints.
- Owing to the liability for guaranteed data removal and the preference for consistency across devices, donations of second hand / used laptops regrettably cannot be accepted.
The Solution is…
- To ensure all Morisset High School students have sole use of a laptop for their studies.
- To address this issue, the Rotary Club of Morisset has engaged with WorkVentures to provide technical delivery of laptops to students in need, free of charge.
WorkVentures source batches of high-end laptops from multi-national companies – they ensure safe data removal, consistency across devices, and sustainably recycle unusable parts. - When fit for purpose, the laptops are donated to financially disadvantaged students.
This is a pilot project. If successful, it is intended this project be promoted to other high schools throughout Australia via Rotary.
The FACTS are…
- 38% of students have no digital access for homework.
- Only 25% of students have their own digital device.
- 11% of students live in a home with no internet connection.
- 76% of Morisset High School parents indicated their children needed more support.
(Morisset High School Survey)
The impact of the lack of digital access from home was never more evident than during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many students were unable to undertake their required tasks and the school’s academic standards were seen to decline considerably during this period.
The impact of student digital exclusion…
- 10-15% of all students struggle to keep up with their peers.
- 84% of students with limited access have difficulty keeping up with their school work.
- 83% of students will increase their educational outcomes with the provision of a laptop.
(KPMG survey conducted for WorkVentures)
The importance of digital access…
- It accelerates learning.
- It is a vehicle for social connection.
- It is means of self-expression.
- It enables community engagement.
- It provides skills as a mechanism for securing employment.
The plan to resolve the shortfall…
- The first-year cost to finance this project is $40,000 with the aim of providing up to 100 qualifying children with a laptop – this is predicted to be halved by the second year once most older students have been equipped;
- Funds to be sought from, and not limited to, the community including possible grant funding either from government agencies, commercial enterprises, Rotary Australia World Community Service.
- Laptops will be distributed by Morisset High School free, provided certain parental or guardian financial criteria are met.
BE INVOLVED … and support our future!
Can you please DONATE by choosing either of the options below:
We are grateful for donations of any amount towards this project.
Please select an option below if you would like to make a
non-tax deductible or tax-deductible (over $2) donation.
Latest Updates
Laptops lead learning at Morisset High
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