This year’s senior secondary students have a tough row to hoe. Between recent changes to the state’s student scoring system and remote learning thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, over 6,300 year 11 and 12 students face a unique set of challenges on top of their usual studies.
We’ve teamed up with Ipswich City Council to help senior secondary students get access to the vital technology they need to keep up during the pandemic.
Operation Education provides year 11 and 12 students in our community with laptops and/or access to the internet through community donations.
“The struggle is very real for so many Ipswich students who, through no fault of their own, simply cannot access online learning, which is particularly concerning for years 11 and 12 students working towards completion of high school and/or further education,” says Deputy Mayor Marnie Doyle.
Community members can help by donating unused wifi or SIM card enabled laptops and pre-paid SIM cards to the program. The program also needs volunteers who can help refurbish and distribute the devices to students in need.
Along with the laptop or SIM, we’ll also provide each recipient family with a Health Resource Kit, which highlights many online resources available to positively contribute to their family’s mental health and physical wellbeing.
“We are keen to get these resources out and into the community ASAP,” says our CEO, James Sturges. “This isn’t just about supporting our young people through COVID-19, it’s really about providing opportunities for their future education.
“One single donation will increase opportunities for learning, connection and wellbeing for the whole family and will also give more people in our community access to IHF’s virtual programs.”
To find out how you can donate or volunteer for Operation Education, visit: www.ihfoundation.org.au/operation-education
