The recipient schools, which include Govan High School, Hazelwood School, Smithycroft Secondary School, Linburn Academy, and Westmuir High School, will use these laptops to bolster online learning among their pupils and staff.

The contribution is part of Deloitte’s initiative of refurbishing its used laptops, enabling them to have a second lifespan. This strategy also involves responsibly recycling devices that are beyond repair. In collaboration with IT disposal experts, Deloitte is assuring that all donated laptops are safely reset to factory settings, reconstructed, and upgraded.

Govan High School, one of Deloitte’s partner schools, has additionally received a financial donation of £7,000 under the firm’s 5 Million Futures programme. This grant will aid in buying essential digital equipment for pupils who lack access to online learning resources.

The 5 Million Futures programme, initiated by Deloitte in 2016, is aimed at aiding people in the UK to overcome obstacles to education and employment through collaborations with schools and charities. The initiative has positively impacted over 345,000 people by the year ending 31 May 2022, with Deloitte professionals donating more than 30,000 hours of their time in volunteering.

Angela Mitchell, senior partner for Deloitte in Scotland, said: “Although we live in an increasingly digital world, digital deprivation across Scotland still exists and is limiting our children and young people’s access to critical learning resources.

“We have been working with schools across Glasgow to break down this barrier to ensure everyone has equal access to an education.

“Many pupils are at a critical point in their studies, and while digital inclusion has improved in recent years, those without access the right technology, or skills to use technology, are struggling. We hope the financial donation, along with the laptops, will make a huge difference to learning for pupils across the city.”

Scott McHendry, principal teacher of positive destinations, Govan High School, said: “We have such a tremendous amount of gratitude for those at Deloitte who helped make this donation possible. The provision that this offers our young people and struggling families is fantastic and allows effective learning to take place at home and in school.

“I often see our young people who have been recipients of these laptops using them in classrooms and during exam leave. On behalf of Govan High School, I cannot say thank you enough for this support.”