November 5, 2020
Pupils in line to reach online Potential
A group of primary school children on Tyneside have received an online learning boost following an IT donation worth over £7,000 by local firm True Potential, the company owned by Harrison Foundation trustees, David and Daniel Harrison.
The donation came just in time for Chillingham Road Primary School in Newcastle, which had been attempting to source new computer equipment for children with additional needs.
Concerns over a lack of access to IT equipment have escalated this year across the country, in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown and restrictions, which have left many students struggling to continue their education with remote learning.
But financial services and technology firm True Potential was determined to help and stepped in to donate 10 reconditioned laptop computers and licenses, saving Chillingham Road Primary School over £7,000.
The laptop computers were adapted for use by one of True Potential’s new apprentices, who joined the firm over the summer as part of its 60-person recruitment drive following its best year on record for sales and growth.
True Potential’s Chief Executive, Daniel Harrison, said: “As a leading technology firm, we always try to keep our equipment up-to-date. That does however mean that we get through a lot of IT equipment. We are always keen to find a good home for our used computers because we know they can support online learning and recycling them is better for the environment as well.
“Throughout this year we have tried to identify those most in need and most affected by the coronavirus and to provide whatever extra support we can. Everyone has had to get used to new ways of working and learning and school children are no different.
“I am delighted that we’ve been able to help Chillingham Road Primary School with these laptops so that more of their students will have the opportunity to learn online as well as learning remotely.â€
Head teacher Benjamin Wassall added: “We are very grateful to True Potential for their generous donation to our school. This is the second time we have benefited from their philanthropic approach and I would encourage all local I.T and software firms to consider reaching out and supporting local schools. More and more children rely on I.T to allow equal access to the curriculum and the laptops will have a genuinely positive impact for our children.â€
True Potential has helped raise more than £200,000 to support vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic. With its team of over 4,000 financial advisers across the UK, more than 14,000 food parcels were delivered to isolated people during the national lockdown.
Meanwhile through its monthly staff fundraising efforts and with its charity partners, the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility and the Harrison Foundation, True Potential has provided funding to charities supporting disabled, homeless and vulnerable young people as well as community groups and hospices that provide emergency care.