Bridging the Digital Divide: Tameside Community Computers Donate Laptops to Year 6 Pupils at Wild Bank Primary

Tameside Community Computers CIC recently donated 12 laptops to Year 6 students at Wild Bank Primary School in Stalybridge.

Tameside Community Computers CIC recently donated 12 laptops to Year 6 students at Wild Bank Primary School in Stalybridge. This gift, made possible through support from Community Health Partnerships (CHP), will help students without access to a computer at home, opening doors to enhanced learning and digital engagement.

Denise Cottam, Corporate Social Responsibility Delivery Manager at CHP, underscored the initiative's significance, stating, “We are committed to supporting the local community and believe access to technology is essential for individuals to thrive. By donating these laptops, we hope to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.”

Tameside Community Computers CIC, a not-for-profit based in Dukinfield, provides refurbished devices, digital skills training, and tech support for those lacking access to technology. Founded on donations from ZenTec Network Solutions Ltd, the organisation works tirelessly to bridge the digital divide within Tameside.

The donation is expected to make a substantial difference for Year 6 students at Wild Bank Primary. With a personal laptop now available, students like Annie, who said, “The laptop will help me learn as I struggle with reading. It will also help me with Maths, English, and Science,” can now complete their schoolwork with ease. Another pupil, Alex, expressed his relief, sharing, “I used to use my mum’s laptop, but I’ve not been able to for the past year as she had to return it to work.”

The school’s Deputy Headteacher, Ms. Abraham, expressed deep gratitude for Tameside Community Computers' generous donation. “We know it will have a huge impact on our Year 6 children and their families,” she remarked. “It will particularly support them with any home learning in their final year of primary school and beyond.”

Cerid Grimshaw, co-founder of Tameside Community Computers, stressed the importance of digital access for all children, saying, “We believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in today’s digital world. By providing these laptops, we’re helping level the playing field and giving these children the tools they need to thrive.”

Co-founder Mike Brooks highlighted the need for local businesses to support TCC’s efforts, whether through financial sponsorship or by contributing to their e-waste recycling programme. He noted, “Every contribution makes a difference in bridging the digital divide.”

Councillor Steven Barton, a long time supporter of TCC, praised the team, saying, “The work that TCC do is absolutely invaluable to children’s education and mental wellbeing. Without this organisation, there would be so many children in Tameside without a device. Tameside Council really needs to get behind TCC and give them as much support as possible.”

Tameside Community Computers encourages local businesses and residents to get involved. For those interested in supporting their mission, whether through financial sponsorship or device recycling, please visit www.tamesidecc.org, email enquiries@tamesidecc.org, or call 0161 553 0060.