In Poland, EU funds were used to provide laptop computers to thousands of schoolchildren who would otherwise have struggled to continue their education when schools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Equipping students in Poland for remote learning during COVID-19
- 14 October 2020
‘The remote school initiative has enabled our children to learn at home without any obstacles. This is a major achievement.’
The EU-funded ‘Remote School’ initiative was launched in spring 2020. More than EUR 82 million was made available, putting schools in Poland in a better position to provide digital education. At least 23 000 schools and more than 335 000 pupils benefited.
Across the country
The funds were used to purchase computer hardware, software and mobile internet access. Equipment was donated to schools in several areas of Poland and lent to students and teachers to enable them to teach and learn remotely.
In Sejny, a small town in north-eastern Poland with a sizeable Lithuanian minority, local authorities used the funding to distribute laptops and tablets. Mobile networks were set up so that children could connect to the internet.
At the beginning of the pandemic, the municipality was prepared to cut the budgets of other planned projects to buy computers for pupils from lower-income families. This was avoided because of the help provided through the initiative.
In the town of Biały Bór, north-western Poland, the municipality used the funding to purchase 36 laptops for pupils.
Continuing to provide benefits
Schools in Poland were closed for several periods due to COVID-19 containment measures. Funding via the ‘Remote School’ initiative was made available from March 2020 until June 2021.
Preference was given to children from large families that may not have had the equipment needed for online access and to those unable to afford a computer.
‘Remote School’ helped cover the costs of providing internet access for schools and children and it helped introduce remote education procedures. Help was provided to teachers who lacked the equipment they needed to organise lessons.
The purchased equipment will continue to serve Polish students and teachers as Europe improves digital education for all its citizens.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Remote School – support of the National Education Network in the remote education system” is EUR 82 110 951, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 82 110 951 through the “Digital Poland” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.