Kim Chang
St Bernards Lower School receiving donated laptops from the Scorpions Collective Network .
During the recent lockdown in Gibraltar due to the COVID pandemic , local children and their families prepared themselves to undertake school work once again from home . Recognising the need that some families don ’ t have a laptop or computer at home for online learning the Scorpions Collective Network was formed .
Under the campaign slogan ‘ MAKE A CHANGE ’ the Sovereign Insurance Scorpions Rugby Club formed the collective , an initiative asking people to donate their unwanted working laptops . The Scorpions Collective members includes Newton Store , Rock Wallaby , Open Award Centre , Office of the Commissioner for Sustainable Development and Future Generations and the Scorpions Rugby Club .
Inspired by Alexa Tilbury-Chang , Harvey Leroy and Preston Feeke currently participating in The Duke of Edinburgh ’ s International Award Gibraltar through the Open Award Centre , the club asked the public to donate their unwanted laptops to help children who haven ’ t got the resources to follow the curriculum online .
“ COVID-19 restrictions have meant that our children and young people are needing to learn from home and rely on online communication and platforms . The reality is that not every child in Gibraltar has a device to access the internet for online learning offered by their schools ,” announced the club online .
“ Newton Store has kindly agreed to ensure the laptops will be in good working order and with the help of the Open Award Centre , Rock Wallaby and the Commissioner for Sustainability Development and Future Generations we will distribute them to those in need . The collective believes this work is vital to many young people who will now be able to stay connected and continue their education during lockdown .”
Kim Chang , spokesperson for the Scorpions Rugby Club told OTWO , “ Alexa , Harvey and Preston who have links to the club were inspired by the BBC initiative ‘ make a difference ’ on how an organisation was donating laptops to families that weren ’ t fortunate enough to own a laptop or computer . This meant children weren ’ t able to participate in online school classes . So after a few messages and phone calls we initiated the Scorpions Collective Network .”
The initiative is also being supported by One Media & Events and the Gibraltar Digital Skills Foundation .
24 OTWO 21 / APRIL 2021