We are thrilled to announce that our school has received the EU Digital Divide Grant, allowing us to further embrace technology in the classroom.
The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) was developed by the Government to enable Ireland to access funding under the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. The Recovery and Resilience Facility is the largest component of NextGenerationEU which is the European Union’s response to the global pandemic. The aim is to help repair the immediate economic and social damage brought about by the pandemic and to prepare for a post-Covid Europe that is greener, includes improved digitisation, is more resilient and fit to face the future. The Department of Education was successful in securing €50m under this funding facility for the issue of a once-off grant to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. The focus of this funding will be to enable schools to address the needs of learners at risk of educational disadvantage arising from a lack of access to necessary digital infrastructure. This funding is specifically targeted at supporting learners at risk of educational disadvantage through lack of access to digital technology. Schools should plan for the effective and targeted use of this funding as part of their Digital Learning Plan (DLP). It is important that schools review and revise their DLP to incorporate the specific intentions for this funding to ensure purposeful investment aligned to their overall strategic goals for enhanced digital capacity for all learners.
With this grant, we have successfully acquired an extra fleet of state-of-the-art iPads to add to our existing devices to further enhance the learning experience of our students. This ensures every child in our school now has iPad access every day whenever needed in class. For years now, technology has been embedded in our teaching and learning as can be seen in our Digital Learning Plan and through our pupils’ Seesaw portfolios.
These iPads serve as powerful educational tools, providing endless opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and engagement. Equipped with cutting-edge features and a wide range of educational apps, our students can now explore the world of knowledge at their fingertips.
This transformative initiative eliminates the traditional boundaries of education and ensures that every student has equal access to information and resources. By breaking down the digital divide, our school is equipping students with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
The impact of the EU Digital Divide Grant extends beyond the classroom; it fosters contemporary and dynamic teaching methods while promoting independent and critical thinking. Teachers can now tailor their lessons to individual needs, offering personalised learning experiences and driving academic excellence.
We firmly believe that this technological advancement will revolutionise the learning environment, opening up new possibilities for creativity and collaboration among our students. Moreover, it will empower them to become active participants in their own education, preparing them for a future where digital competence is a fundamental requirement.
We are immensely grateful to the European Union for recognising the importance of bridging the digital divide and providing us with this invaluable grant. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this initiative a reality. Together, we are shaping a future where education knows no boundaries, and every student has the tools to excel and reach their full potential.