(Alberta Computers for Schools)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Learning From Home

Alberta Computers for Schools helps students learn at home

Apr 8, 2020 | 6:15 PM

A program that supplies refurbished computers and other digital devices for students, non-profits, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income Canadians is stepping up its efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the past three weeks, Alberta Computers for Schools (CFS) has seen a marked increase in applications to the program with requests for free, refurbished computer and laptop equipment.

Officials say the technology is needed to support a variety of low-income families, non-profit organizations and schools as they re-tool for people to work and learn from home.

It’s noted Alberta CFS has seen over 100 new applications come in, has already shipped out 39 orders, and has provided almost 500 computers to Albertans in need.

Equipment has gone largely to schools, which then pass the computers along to students who are now required to learn at home.

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“The demand has been relentless and we’re trying to keep up and make sure everyone who needs support can have it,” says Kari Cope, Executive Director of Alberta Computers for Schools, in a news release. “It’s been a big push to see this success. I’m so proud of my team and how they have stepped up in this difficult period to ensure that Alberta families receive this much needed equipment quickly.”

In Red Deer, Koinonia Christian School received 10 laptops and 11 desktops on Mar. 5, just ahead of the rush of orders resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alberta CFS is said to distribute over 10,000 computers each year through the Government of Canada’s Computers for Schools Plus program, and the spike generated by COVID-19 is accelerating the need for incoming donations.

The equipment is provided for free to organizations and is theirs to keep. It is refurbished and can be loaded with Microsoft Windows 10 and Office Suite.

“This is not a loan, the equipment is not coming back to us,” adds Cope. “This means once the pandemic settles we are going to be in desperate need to replenish our inventory. We will need Alberta government and companies to continue donating their old equipment to make a difference.”