Lisa Lemberg, enjoying a computer earned through working with the Ashburton College work-to-earn-a-computer project. Photo Sue NewmanWhen Ashburton College principal Ross Preece put out a call for employers to help his students earn their own computer, it generated a strong response from the community.

Preece received plenty of phone calls of support, but what he did not receive were enough people willing to employ a student for about 25 hours so they could earn their own computer.

Several did, but he has a list of 13 students keen to be part of the project and few employers to match them with.

He came up with the project as a way to help students whose families were finding it difficult to provide their children with a laptop or Chromebook.

While the school had a number of devices that could be shared, the ideal was for each student to have their own, he said.

It was all about providing an equitable outcome and a level playing field for all students, Preece said.

“I’m a real believer in giving kids a helping hand rather than a hand-out and we’ve looked at the option of giving kids the opportunity to earn a computer.”

The scheme involved a business or an individual employing a student for $15 an hour for about 25 hours until enough money has been earned to pay for a Chromebook.

The business or the individual gives the college the $400 the student earned and the school gives that student a Chromebook.

It’s theirs to keep.

There’s an added incentive for the employer as the donation to the college comes with a tax refund.

Some students who had been through the scheme had found an additional benefit in that they secured part-time work, Preece said.

One of those finding work was Year 11 student Lisa Lemberg.  She worked as a caterer providing sandwiches, cakes and sandwiches to a fund raising group and said it was a great experience knowing the work she was doing would earn her a much needed device.

For her first two years at college Lisa used a school device but said it was much easier to manage her workload with her own Chromebook.

Employers who have work to offer a student should contact the Ashburton College office and ask for the principal’s secretary.

By Sue Newman © The Ashburton Guardian - 10 March 2018