The Education Grant Committee are pleased that they have been able to help lots of families over the last few months, providing grants for laptops so their children can continue to learn whilst the schools are closed. So far 21 grants have been approved and we are currently receiving more applications on a daily basis. One parent said “ The laptop arrived today and already I can see the positive impact this will have when completing school work compared to the mobile phone he was using. Thank you to everyone involved in this scheme, as a family we are very grateful”.

Whilst another parent informed “This has made a big difference to our children’s access to remote learning, and they have both found it easier with an up-to-date laptop which is personalised to their individual needs.”

It is not only the younger generation who have benefited from these grants. Mr Clare is one of many who has received funding from St Dennis Parish Councils Education Bursary Scheme.

Mr Clare is 74 years old, told me that he left school without the best grades at the age of 15, but as he was never out of work, not being academically minded did not really matter. On retiring Mr Clare felt that his lack of ability with writing and spelling was holding him back so decided to enroll in an Adult Education Course being held at the ClayTAWC Centre in St Dennis to improve his spelling and writing skills.

Mr Clare received a grant for a laptop from St Dennis Parish Councils Education Bursary Scheme, to help him with his coursework. Due to the changes that we all encountered, and the sudden lockdown experienced in March this funding has enabled him to continue the course throughout the current pandemic. Mr Clare informed that the money provided for the laptop has been a god send to him especially with the course being moved online.

Mr Clare has been on the course now for 12 months and his tutors have been impressed with his progress. Whilst he admits he still makes the odd mistake, Mr Clare has very much improved not only with the reading and writing but with computer skills which have enabled him to reach a whole new online world.

It goes to show that you are never too old to stop learning and the Educational Bursary Committee were very happy to be able to help Mr Clare with his journey, along with all the other people who have received funding from this scheme.

If you think the Bursary Scheme may could help you, and you live in the St Dennis and Nanpean Electoral Division, you can download a form from St Dennis Parish Council website or contact the office on 01726 821700 for further information. We not only provide laptops, but can help with printers, software and the course costs. This scheme is available those over 9 years and above, we will consider funding those below this age group in exceptional circumstances. So if you are thinking of improving your education or skills and require funding please call the office to see if we can help.