Thousands of laptops distributed to teachers in Ukraine
Press Release
The distribution has begun of thousands of laptops to enable Ukrainian children to continue their education despite the war gripping their country, as part of a joint initiative by the Global Business Coalition for Education, Theirworld, HP, Microsoft, in cooperation with charitable organizations.
The first devices were delivered this week to support teachers in the Luhansk and Chernihiv regions of Ukraine, with the assistance of the Olena Zelenska Foundation, the charity of Ukraine’s First Lady, and with the cooperation of the Ukraine House Foundation. Distribution is due to expand to another ten regions over the next few months.
The Digital Equity for Ukraine initiative was made possible by a $30 million donation by HP through GBC-Education, with Microsoft providing software for the devices.
Tens of thousands of devices provided by HP will be delivered to teachers and children, both inside Ukraine and outside to refugee children in neighboring countries.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February has upended the lives of millions of Ukrainians, with one-third forced to flee their homes according to the United Nations. More than 2,000 educational institutions have been hit by bombs or shelling, and millions of Ukrainian students are learning remotely both inside and outside the country.
“We stand in solidarity with Ukraine, and in particular the children and young people of Ukraine, as we believe every single child should have the best start in life and a safe place to learn,” said Justin van Fleet, President of Theirworld and Executive Director of the Global Business Coalition for Education.
“The majority of Ukrainian schools now conduct online education. These are institutions or schools destroyed in the areas with the most intense shelling. And yet, education is not interrupted. Even in wartime, teachers carry knowledge, and students strive to acquire it. As long as children learn and teachers teach, our country has a future. Therefore, our task is to do everything to ensure that the educational process continues,” said the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.