Across the UK, colleges and universities are experiencing previously un-seen restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This has had an enormous effect on students, who have had to rely on remote and blended learning to continue their studies. The change has resulted in difficulties for some students getting access to these digital alternatives.
It quickly became apparent to City of Bristol College that students who didn't have access to devices to work remotely would struggle as a result. The news of this problem soon spread to the Governors of the College as a cause for concern. In response to this, one of the Governors made a generous donation to fund the purchase of 3 brand new laptops to go to students in need.
As City of Bristol College’s IT partner, we were contacted by the College to assist with sourcing the best laptops for the students with the donation money. We began working with City of Bristol College in 2016 with a three-phase project to replace the storage infrastructure across the College’s three main campuses. Since then, we have been working closely together, so, were more than happy to offer our support to the students.
Upon hearing about the purchase of the laptops for students, we were keen to help and matched the donation to give an additional 3 students a new laptop to study with. Now, 6 students have been selected by the College, based on their exceptional circumstances. This will have an enormous impact on what each of the recipients will be able to achieve with this support. From a student who has funded their own studies every year to an individual who arrived in the UK in very challenging circumstances and has overcome what most would believe to be a limiting disability in order to succeed. Every individual has overcome obstacles to continue their education and deserve this recognition and support.
Owen, 30, a HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at City of Bristol College has told us about what it means to him. “I am delighted to have been chosen to receive a laptop from City of Bristol College. My course has computer-based modules such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD). I do not own a laptop or computer at home so when we went into lockdown I was really stressed that I wouldn’t be able to complete my course as I used to use the IT equipment at college. The thought of going into a second lockdown would mean I wouldn’t be able to study at home and therefore get behind which I don’t want to do. When my teacher put me forward for a laptop I was so happy and now I have found out I will receive one I am over the moon! Thank you so much for the donation – it means I will be able to continue my studies and am seriously thinking about doing the HND next year now!”
At Circle, we care about the communities that we work in, so we are thrilled to be able to support these students with their studies and are confident that there will be no limits to their success.
