Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation donation

Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation are fighting hard for disadvantaged children in Teesside during the third lockdown – in a bid to ensure they aren’t further disadvantaged in their learning due to lack of tech and/or connectivity.

Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston – the founder of the charity – is backing a joint initiative between local firm PD Ports (Teesport) and the Philanthropic Foundation to raise funds to help provide technology support; such as laptops, iPads, Chrome Books and connectivity to local school communities to provide to their least privileged children.

With thousands of the town’s pupils again working from home following the government’s closure of schools, PD Ports – guardians of the River Tees – have made an initial £5,000 donation to the foundation.

Tees Valley Education are extremely grateful to have received a £2,000 donation from the Philanthropic Foundation which will buy 10 new iPads, making a huge difference to children and families in our community.

“Having Kieron’s school iPad at home has really supported his learning as it means he can access Showbie and his home learning easily, as well as other apps such as Spelling Shed. It also means he can contact his teachers for support through the Showbie app.”

Evie and Oliver’s Mam – “We previously had our own tablet but the battery is faulty and only lasts half an hour, but now they can get on and do all their learning.”

Isla said – “It’s great having an iPad to use because I am not in school every day. It means I can complete the work at home and I know how to use the iPad easily to help me.”