A TECH company has delivered its 100th laptop to help with children’s online learning.

Over the past year teachers and students have had to adapt to a new way of learning. Many students have seen their homes become their classrooms, for some though this has been difficult without the right equipment.

Some schools have received help with the difficulties from Sopro after their founders heard about the struggles that children were having to access online learning tools. By joining forces with the company Tech-Takeback and the Tarner Community Project they launched an appeal called Level Up Laptops in January.

The initiative has now delivered over 100 laptops to help support children across Brighton with learning from home. The laptops that took them to over a 100 went to Benfield Primary School in Portslade. Head of school Gemma Chumnansin is happy with the new laptops and hopes it will improve the children’s learning experience.

The Argus: Head of Benfield primary school, Gemma ChumnansinHead of Benfield primary school, Gemma Chumnansin

She said: "During the lockdown and closure of schools, most of our pupils began learning from home and very suddenly found themselves accessing their education through online learning portals.”

“We were able to supply some laptops, tablets and chromebooks to families without access to technology, however, this highlighted the importance of equal access for all pupils. We are very grateful to receive these laptops, which will help our pupils to engage in an increasingly digital world."

The initiative has also raised over £10,000 to date. Level Up Laptops received donations from Midnight Communications, Pitch121, Brighton buses, Invyte Partners, Recruiter on Demand, Encore Fitness and Aderns UK Ltd.

Ryan Welmans, chief executive of Sopro, in North Street, thinks it is great that the initiative has managed to help so many children.

Mr Welmans said: “Tackling the digital divide is something we care deeply about at Sopro. Having access to a laptop and online learning resources will make a positive difference to the lives of local children and give them a much-improved chance of succeeding in education and later life.”

“So, it’s just fantastic to have reached this milestone of over 100 devices.”

The Argus: Gemma Chumansin and Tech-TakeBack's Jake ArneyGemma Chumansin and Tech-TakeBack's Jake Arney

Tech-Takeback is a not-for-profit business of experts in circular economy, data erasure, data security, reuse and recycling, with primary focus on reuse of small electricals to bridge the digital and social divide.

David Greenfield, founder of Tech-Takeback, added: "In an increasingly digital world, it is essential that children can access technology in school and at home so they can learn the vital life skills that come with being digitally-included.”