Weston student launches fundraiser to buy laptops for disadvantaged youngsters

A student has launched a campaign to raise £4,000 to help buy laptops for disadvantaged youngsters in the area.

Courtney Verrells (19), of Weston, was inspired to help after learning that school pupils are unable to access teaching materials as they only have a mobile phone to watch lessons.

Since setting up the page earlier this week, Courtney has managed to raise £628, including a donation from Ashwood Homes.

Courtney, who is studying politics at the University of Leicester, said she is hoping to support as many schools in the area as possible.

She said: “I have younger siblings and they are having lessons on Microsoft Teams. There was a little boy on a Teams call and he couldn’t access what all of the others were accessing because he had a mobile phone and not a laptop.

“All of the other children were trying to help but he was not able to see it. I felt that this was not acceptable so I thought I would do something about it.

“I am fortunate enough that we have laptops and I personally don’t feel that the Government’s handling of education for children has been effective.

“I don’t feel that any primary school student should be made to suffer because of everything that is going on.”

l Go to: www.gofundme.com/f/help-disadvantaged-children-in-their-education