Photo courtesy of De Beers Group
Chief Sunrise Education Centre on the Hay River Reserve will be receiving some new laptop computers.
The donation is coming from the De Beers Group, which is distributing 117 computers to schools in seven Indigenous communities in the NWT.
According to an Aug. 18 news release, De Beers Group is aiming to improve student access to online courses.
The donation is part of De Beers' $176,000 community response to assist NWT communities dealing with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition to Chief Sunrise Education Centre, the new laptops are being distributed to Mezi Community School (Whati), Jean Wetrade School (Gameti), Alex Arrowmaker School (Wekweeti), Chief Jimmy Bruneau School (Behchoko), Lutsel K'e Dene School (Lutsel K'e), and Deninu School (Fort Resolution).
"Students, families and communities are preparing for the return to school this fall," said Education, Culture and Employment Minister R.J. Simpson in the news release. "Having access to technology will support students' success and ability to adjust to modified learning environments as necessary."
Lyndon Clark, the general manager of Gahcho Kue Mine, said De Beers Group is pleased to be able to meet an immediate and practical need as students are preparing to go back to school.
"Education is important, and we want to ensure that students have the tools they need for online courses," said Clark.
In addition, De Beers Group will be donating 10 surplus computers to the Yellowknife Public Library to increase public access to the Internet.