Teenagers in Co Meath can now borrow laptops from their library to help them study at home. The new laptop loan initiative which was funded by Facebook is targeting disadvantaged students who have not had access to a device during the Covid-19 crisis.
The €809,100 donation will allow Meath Library Service to purchase nearly 900 laptops and wifi dongles. It will support 50% of fifth year students and Leaving Certificate applied students who do not have digital devices to continue their studies from home.
The local authority estimates that student ownership of laptops may be as low as 20% in Co Meath. Students say for longer assignments, projects, and essays typing on a mobile phone keyboard is awkward and slow, while downloading PDFs and