Laptops with Love
The Laptops with Love program grew during lockdown where we learned that many of our young people had limited access to computers with some households often sharing the one device.
The solution has been to join forces with local organisations that have donated their refurbished laptops. As part of the collaboration, the laptops have also been checked and prepared at no cost by local IT businesses.
Lighthouse has worked with our local schools, tertiary providers, The Foyer, Berry Street, Uniting, the Lift Off Education Scholarship program, and the Umoja Empowerment Group amongst a few to connect with eligible recipients. A key part of the program is that these organisations assist with identifying who will benefit most from the program to remove a barrier so they can continue their educational studies and increase their employment and career opportunities.
"Based on the value of purchasing 300 new laptops, it is estimated that the Laptops with Love program equates to approximately $300K being contributed to our community".
Data collected since launching the program in December 2021 to February 2024
laptops to the primary school sector.
laptops to the secondary school sector.
laptops to students going on to further study at TAFE or universities (over 18).
laptops gifted to adult learning programs.
laptops for community projects.
Testimonials
“Goulburn Valley Water aims to support healthy and prosperous communities. The Laptop with Love program is in complete alignment with that aim and its fantastic to be able to support our community in this way”
Ryan McGowan | Acting General Managing Technology and Transformation | Goulburn Valley Water
“Having been involved in the Laptops with Love program from the start, we had high hopes for what it could achieve but, if anything, it has surpassed our expectations”.
Peter Holland | Information Technology Manager | Goulburn Murray Water
“The Laptops with Love Program is not only for young children in school, but community projects and adult learning programs. It opens up a world of possibilities for further education and enhanced digital skills that might not have been available to them previously”.
Samantha Hempenstall | Manager Technology & Business Transformation | Greater Shepparton City Council
“Advance Computing is thrilled to be involved to not only give these laptops a second life but also empowers students and those in need”.
Chris Motton | Managing Director | Advance Computing
“GVGS is delighted to be able to support the Laptops with Love project. To be able to partner with Lighthouse Project in repurposing laptops to children and families in our community has been a pleasure. We look forward to our continued involvement in this project”.
Nicole Bensch | Director of IT | Goulburn Valley Grammar School
“It has been a pleasure to be involved in such a worthy local project that helps our community on a social and environmental level”.
Sebastian Mangiameli | Data Parts Shepparton
“Thank you, I couldn’t have done it without the support”.
2022 Laptop recipient and final year tertiary student
“Now I don't have to do my assignments on my phone”.
2023 Laptop recipient
Our Laptops with Love initiative illustrates the collective impact approach of the Lighthouse movement and the power of partnerships.
Thanks to our partners
For more information contact
