A group of Lower Sixth boys have set up Bedford Device Bank as part of the school’s Community Partnership Programme. The boys are collecting old and unused devices such as laptops, tablets, phones and chargers for refugees to use so that they can contact their loved ones back home and so they can improve their chances of finding accommodation.
Donations have been made by members across the school community, and the boys have also received a donation of reconditioned laptops following a meeting with the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada.
The boys have been busy collecting and sorting the devices, checking that they are clear of data and in working order ready for distribution.
So far, four laptops apiece have been donated to two local charities: Yarls’ Wood Befrienders and Friends for Refugees. The laptops will be used on a new initiative running with refugees to improve digital inclusion, empowerment and skills development.
Additionally, the boys have been involved in researching the need for digital inclusion as part of their studies.
To support their initiative, the boys also requested that a share of the money raised from this year’s mufti day was donated to The Level Trust, a Bedfordshire charity that provides devices to local children in schools who would not otherwise have access to them.