Having access to a laptop is something most students take for granted, but with even the most basic new device costing around $1000, it’s out of reach for many families.
Smith Family chief executive Doug Taylor says a laptop and internet access can mean the difference between finishing school, and getting a decent job.
“83 per cent of young people who have access to a digitally connected laptop, and they didn’t in the past, see an improvement in their grades,” Taylor said.
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“So it’s a significant challenge, but it’s one of those things that’s inherently solveable.”
The Smith Family has paired up with social enterprise Work Ventures, which securely wipes and refurbishes donated laptops, as well as offers IT traineeships, to give ongoing support.
The initiative is giving training and technology support to some of the 1.2 million students who don’t have access to devices.
Finance giant Deloitte has donated 2000 laptops, and now it’s encouraging others from the big end of town to do the same.
For more information about Work Ventures, click here.
