The Kanata-Stittsville Kiwanis are partnering with Kiwanis Bytown to lead a program to put computers in the hands of kids who are in need to continue their on-line studies through the KC4K Campaign.
During the current COVID-19 lockdown the Province of Ontario and School Boards are working with administrators and teachers to provide on-line learning materials and curriculum to maintain our children’s continuing education. Kiwanis is aware that while most children will have access to computers and internet, there are those in our community who are less fortunate.
With the full understanding that the Ontario Ministry of Education has standardized online teaching using Google Education Suite, the Kiwanis have taken this into consideration when selecting the computers. The Province has set a teaching standard using Chromebook laptop computers to provide children with the online educational tools necessary to continue their lesson plans and delivery both online and in the classroom.
The Kiwanis are working closely with both the Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) to ensure that the children and families in need are identified and receive the required technology. The Boards will identify children and families in need and will be distributing the computers.
Computers donated by Kiwanis will remain the property of the children also helping to close the academic and social gap that exists with lower income families.
The OCDSB made this statement on the program, “The OCDSB is pleased to partner with Kiwanis and appreciates their generous offer to provide Chromebooks for distribution to students in need. At this challenging time, these devices will help students to stay connected to their learning and build success now and into the future. We are grateful to the Kiwanis for supporting our commitment to building a Culture of Caring and to help us to meet the needs of all OCDSB students.”
The OCSB also shared their appreciation for the program, “Even before the COVID-19 crisis, we have long been aware that the achievement gap for students from low socio-economic status situations paralleled the digital access divide. The pandemic will pass but this initiative by our partners in the Kiwanis Clubs will have far-reaching implications for students to help achieve equity and excellence. On behalf of our students, we are grateful for all of your efforts.”
Kanata-Stittsville Kiwanis are also working closely with the Ottawa Western Community Resource Centre to identify any families and children that might fall through the cracks.
A CanadaHelps Campaign has also been created to raise funds and the local club is also seeking a donations from all the Kiwanis Clubs in Eastern Ontario. The link to the CanadaHelps site for making donations is: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/kiwanis-club-of-bytown/campaign/kiwanis-computers-for-kids-kc4k/. Receipts for all donations will be provided by CanadaHelps.
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