Encirc teams up with IT suppliers to donate repurposed computers to schools

A collaboration between Encirc and the suppliers of their IT equipment, Complete IT Systems (CIT), has seen two schools on either side of the Border benefit with the delivery of several repurposed computers and laptops.

In so doing, not only have schoolchildren and schools received wholly valuable educational learning assets but the carbon footprint of both businesses has been improved with this sustainable solution reducing waste, reusing products, and highlighting the benefits of a circular economy.

The innovative partnership is principally aimed at assisting underfunded rural schools. St. Aidan’s High School in Derrylin and Kill National School in Cootehill, Cavan have benefitted from this first delivery of desktop computers and laptops.

The primary focus is to identify specific needs within these educational institutions, with a keen emphasis on Special Educational Needs Coordination (SENCO) departments and other areas catering to students facing challenges in a traditional classroom setting.

Additionally, Encirc and CIT hope to address the pressing issue of families struggling to provide essential, up-to-date IT equipment. Through this initiative, they aspire to support local rural schools by allocating resources to those in need, ensuring that students have access to fully refurbished IT equipment.

Fiacre O’Donnell, Sustainability Director at Encirc said: “This is a great initiative. We are all fully aware of the pressure schools’ funding is under so to be able to help in any way is really important.

“This contribution will prove instrumental in aiding students during exams, facilitating learning, reading, writing, and providing necessary assistance for pupils enrolled in the SENCO program, such as the provision of scribes for examinations.

“Our collaborative effort seeks to create a positive impact on the educational journey of these students and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.”

Fiacre added: “It is also a great example of the circular economy working for the betterment of our community. Repurposed computers and laptops that otherwise may have ended up in landfill have been repaired to optimal standard by the expertise at CIT and will now be utilised by young students in our area.”

Malcolm Reid, Account Manager, CIT said: “CIT is honoured to support Encirc, St Aidan’s and Kill National School in Cavan in their mission to provide quality education through the circular economy. We believe that access to technology is a key enabler for students to reach their full potential. This donation represents our ongoing dedication to making a positive impact on the communities that matter.”

He added: “CIT looks forward to continued collaboration with Encirc and remains committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the betterment of education and community welfare. These computers and laptops help in keys areas such as enhanced learning opportunities, digital literacy, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.”

This first donation includes Dell laptops and Desktop PCs, carefully refurbished to ensure optimal performance by CIT. And, there are plans to do more.

A spokesperson for Kill National School said: “Kill National School would like to express their sincere gratitude for the laptops that were generously donated by Encirc and Complete IT Systems. Kill National School is a rural school with 127 pupils, that was desperately in need of IT equipment to allow children to take advantage of its Special Educational Tuition (SET) room. The equipment will also be utilised by those children who require learning support in a small group setting.

“This donation of equipment will facilitate learning and provide assistance for those students who have special educational needs. It will help level the playing fields, creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.”

As a vital component of this collaborative and innovative initiative, St Aidan’s is committed to leveraging the IT equipment to host community open evenings.

These events will cater to parents seeking to enhance their basic IT skills, covering essential processes such as managing emails, learning online safety practices, and navigating through the completion of various online forms. The provided IT equipment will thus not only benefit the students within the school but also extend its services to the broader local community and parents.

In conjunction with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTFA), expert individuals will be brought in to teach and guide attendees, fostering a sense of community spirit. This effort aims to create meaningful connections between different generations, bridging the gap between the older and younger members of the community.

The collaborative endeavour seeks to empower individuals of all ages through digital literacy and community engagement.

Pictured at St. Aidan’s High School receiving the restored computers are (back from left) Amanda Broughton, Encirc; Gemma Martin, Encirc; Mrs. Gilmurray, St. Aidan’s and Mr. O’Callaghan, St. Aidan’s with pupils Ellen Brennan and Ruairi McManus.