Adopt-a-School - 2020 Technology & Literacy Requests

For a decade, Adopt-a-School's primary focus has been on ensuring that students aren’t hungry, are clothed and have learning experiences that will enable them to fulfill their potential.  The Vancouver Sun and its readers recognized and responded to the pressing needs of children and youth. Since 2011, readers have recognized how hard it is to learn when you’re hungry and have donated around $6.5 million to the Adopt-a-School campaigns.

But as COVID has highlighted, learning is harder still without the technology to get through the school door.  During the more than ever, children and youth are suffering with anxiety and depression.  They need safe spaces to go and schools can be that. And if schools are forced to close again, how many families won’t have what their children need to Zoom to class or do their homework?

Last spring when schools were shuttered, Vancouver Technical Secondary raided the computer lab and loaned laptops to 90 families, but there are still 80 students who don’t have one. They are asking Adopt-a-School for $25,000 to buy 30 laptops.

King George Secondary in Vancouver’s West End has a similar problem. They are asking for $20,000 to buy 16 laptops and a charging cart.

Tupper Nova runs an alternative program for Grades 10 to 12. Each year, a maximum of 25 students are accepted, who have been out of school for anywhere from six months to two years.  The focus is on re-engaging students in learning so that they can use Tupper Nova as a stepping stone to other educational programs. Art gets the students through the door, calms them and provides an outlet for their passions. Tupper Nova are asking for $6,850 to buy the tools and technology to learn animation.

The other applications here have similar needs for tools to support their students' education.  Not as urgent as food security, perhaps, but equally necessary for the ongoing development of these children.

Any designated donations received for these technology and literacy programs will be disbursed to assist the schools with their needs.