Local residents and community groups are helping Wandsworth children continue their learning at home and keep connected with their teachers whilst schools are closed by providing laptops to pupils who don’t have devices.

Some residents donated as many as three separate devices, and primary schools have already begun receiving them, including Heathmere Primary School and the Alton Primary School.

The initiative has been spearheaded by the AFC Wimbledon Foundation, the Dons Local Action Group and Keep Kids Connected, and supported by Fleur Anderson, Labour MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields.

Dom Kelly, coordinating the Keep Kids Connected project for Dons Local Action Group said, “It’s fantastic that we are all coming together to help kids keep up with their learning and in touch with their friends at a time when they feel so isolated. However, we need many more devices as schools have identified many more kids who do not have access to them at home. 

“We urge anyone who has a spare laptop or tablet to change a child’s life by going to KeepKidsConnected.co.uk.“

Philip Rudling, Director of AFC Wimbledon Foundation said: “As a Foundation, we work right across Merton & Wandsworth all year round. At this difficult time, it’s been fantastic to see residents, volunteers and local representatives coming together to help those who need it most. There’s still more to do so if you can get involved or know someone who needs help please get in touch”

Some residents donated as many as three separate devices, and primary schools have already begun receiving them, including Heathmere Primary School and the Alton Primary School.

Fleur Anderson, Labour MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields who has been picking up laptops from residents, said: “It is wonderful to see such generosity and community spirit from so many people. The Government are only providing laptops for a very few children and these are very delayed. It has been such a difficult period for parents, schools and pupils and these laptops will make such a big difference to their learning. It is a privilege to be involved in such a fantastic and innovative initiative. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all those who have already donated and to the Dons Local Action Group. Please keep the laptops coming!”

If you want to get involved or donate a device, please call 0203 301 4511 or email dla@afcwimbledonfoundation.org.uk