Leeds based finance provider Hitachi Capital boosts Tech Angels campaign with donation of laptops for disadvantaged school-children

Leeds-based financial services firm Hitachi Capital has delivered 42 machines to Leeds Tech Angels, the campaign to provide laptops to children and young people in some of the city’s most digitally excluded neighbourhoods.
By Emma Ryan
Published 30th Jan 2021, 16:45 GMT
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The machines, which were due to be recycled after refurbishment, were instead donated to Tech Angels after their disk drives were removed and disposed of securely, with Hitachi Capital providing funding for replacement disk drives.

They will provide a significant boost to the Tech Angels' target to source 200 machines - which earlier this week had hit the half way mark.

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Hitachi Capital donates 42 laptops to the Leeds Tech Angels campaign.Hitachi Capital donates 42 laptops to the Leeds Tech Angels campaign.
Hitachi Capital donates 42 laptops to the Leeds Tech Angels campaign.
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“It’s easy to forget there’s such a digital divide in our communities and I’d encourage all businesses in the region to look at what kit you have spare and talk to the charity about donating.

“Every laptop really does count and can make a huge difference to a child’s life.”

This sentiment was echoed by Ben McKenna who is coordinating the Leeds Tech Angels campaign. He said: “These machines will be hugely useful to pupils across Leeds struggling to catch up with their schoolwork after spending the best part of a year in lockdown.

“We would like to thank Hitachi Capital as well as all of our other donors for helping to give these young people a chance to realise their potential.

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“If any other businesses have spare kit, we can ensure this is safely recycled and put into the hands of schoolchildren in need.”

The campaign to find Leeds Tech Angels is being led by a recently established group, Digital Access West Yorkshire, with funding from Leeds Community Foundation and support from Ahead Partnership, Leeds City Council and Zero Waste Leeds.

The digital divide has been exacerbated by coronavirus with many school children lacking the means to join online lessons.

More information about Leeds Tech Angels including how to donate tech kit can be found at tech-angels.netSupport the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe

Related topics:LeedsLeeds City Council

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