Across the UK, colleges and universities are experiencing previously un-seen restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has had an enormous effect on students, who have had to rely on remote and blended learning to continue their studies. The change has resulted in difficulties for some students getting access to these digital alternatives.
It quickly became apparent to City of Bristol College that students who did not have access to devices to continue their studies remotely would struggle and suffer as a result. The news of this problem soon spread to the Governors of the College as a cause for concern. In response to this, one of the Governors made a generous donation to fund the purchase of three brand new laptops to go to students in need.
City of Bristol College’s IT partner, the Cardiff based Circle, were contacted by the College to assist with sourcing the best laptops for the students with the donation money. City of Bristol College began working with Circle in 2016 when they began a three-phase project to replace the storage infrastructure across the College’s three main campuses. Since then, they have been working closely together. Their future plans include holding workshops for students with aspirations of starting a career in IT, with Circle offering their expertise to help students succeed in the industry.
Upon hearing about the purchase of the laptops for students, Circle were keen to help and matched the donation to give an additional three students a new laptop to study with. Now, six students have been selected by the College, based on their exceptional circumstances. This will have an enormous impact on what each of the recipients will be able to achieve with this support. From a student who has funded their own studies every year to an individual who arrived in the UK in very challenging circumstances and has overcome what most would believe to be a limiting disability in order to succeed. Every individual has overcome obstacles to continue their education and deserve this recognition and support.
Owen, 30, a HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at City of Bristol College has told us about what it means to him. “I am delighted to have been chosen to receive a laptop from City of Bristol College. My course has computer-based modules such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD). I do not own a laptop or computer at home so when we went into lockdown I was really stressed that I wouldn’t be able to complete my course as I used the IT equipment at college previously.
“The thought of going into multiple lockdowns would mean I wouldn’t be able to study at home and therefore get behind which I don’t want to do. When my teacher put me forward for a laptop I was so happy and now I have found out I will receive one I am over the moon! Thank you so much for the donation – it means I will be able to continue my studies and am seriously thinking about doing the HND next year now!”
Both City of Bristol College and Circle are thrilled to be able to support these students with their studies and are confident that there will be no limits to their success.
