When local entrepreneur Reino Uusitalo heard that many children in the Pyhtää school district in southern Finland did not have access to computers and therefore could not properly complete their school work, he decided to take action.
Uusitalo called on his network in the local business community to make donations to the children, and the call-out yielded immediate results as "everyone wanted to come and help," Uusitalo recalled.
As a result of his initiative, local companies donated 45 laptops to Pyhtää village schools for use by 4th-6th grade students starting from next week. The total value of the donation is estimated to be over 15,000 euros.
Pandemic "strengthening communities"
Uusitalo considered it essential that every child had the necessary equipment to be able to learn from home.
"Distance learning requires computers, as they can also be used to develop the children’s own learning and innovation. It will continue to inspire them to develop themselves, their own world and their interest in studying," Uusitalo said.
The principal of Pyhtää Huutjärvi school, Sari Hakulinen, said she was very grateful to the local business community, and Reino Uusitalo especially, for the donation.
"The situation regarding equipment has been good for older students, but there have not been enough machines available for younger students," Hakulinen explained. "This initiative will ensure that all the schools in the village have enough machines for pupils to use."
Uusitalo told Yle he noticed that the coronavirus pandemic has strengthened communities and there is a noticeable increase in the desire to help others.
"In addition to outdoor activities, this is very important in helping to build people’s resilience", Uusitalo said.