Keith businessman helps school pupils by providing home learning technology
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A KEITH businessman has gone above and beyond to help local school pupils who are struggling with home learning.
Steven Dunbar, director of Clan Partners, turned helping pupils at Keith Grammar School into a family project after watching a TV programme on home learning.
As a father of two teenagers, Katie and Lily, who both attend the school, Steven is aware of the challenges of remote learning, particularly for pupils who have limited access to computers.
The former IT Manager sourced 13 laptops from three other businesses that he shares a building with and set about rebooting them with his daughters over the course of a weekend.
After learning how to format, rebuild and install software and accounts onto each laptop, the family were delighted to hand over the equipment to Keith Grammar School in February.
Mr Dunbar said: “I had seen a programme where pupils were struggling to complete their coursework on a mobile phone. I didn’t think this was fair and knew it probably wasn’t the only place this was happening.
"If this helps just one pupil the whole project has been worthwhile.
"My daughters have learned some great skills along the way and have helped their peers. I’m just glad I’ve been able to do something to help at a difficult time for many people.
“I’d like to thank Andy Weir at GQS, Fiona Wallis at Global Resources and Craig Phillips at Granite Recruitment for their very kind donations of laptops.
"Without their contributions this project would not have been possible."
Kevin Pirie, deputy head of Keith Grammar School, said the 13 laptops are being used to support young people to access their online learning during lockdown.
He added: “As a school, we have been supporting pupils and providing IT equipment anyway, but this obviously helps even further.
"Having an extra device in the household provides a great support for families. One inspirational thought and act of kindness can make all the difference.
“We are very grateful for the kind donation of laptops from Steven and his colleagues.
"It's fantastic to be part of such a supportive community where everyone is trying to help our young people become the best that they can be.
"I’m excited about the opportunities we can bring to our young people through working closely with these partners in the future.”
