EXXONMOBIL, at the Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP), is contributing to the education of pupils by helping to buy computer equipment for a school.

It has provided funding towards 10 new laptops for Balwearie High School, which will be distributed to pupils who don’t have access to a computer, enabling them to continue their school work at home.

The Mossmorran plant was approached by teachers from the school who were keen to see the education of pupils continue as uninterrupted as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic which forced the school to close its doors in March.

Teaching staff had noticed that a number of pupils who did not have access to computers at home were becoming more isolated and at risk of falling behind with their school work, and decided to take action.

Margaret Johnstone, the school’s Support Services Co-ordinator, applied to FEP for help and the plant was happy to contribute.

Jacob McAlister, plant manager, said: “Balwearie is a school which clearly cares about its pupils and their education. Reaching out for support shows their commitment and innovative thinking and we are delighted to be able to help.”

Neil McNeil, rector at Balwearie added: “It is vital that we do all we can to ensure that no young person is left behind with regard to the online learning taking place as a result of schools being closed.

“The contribution of laptops will enable us to reach out to families in need of support now and in the future and offer a degree of equity of opportunity. I am grateful to ExxonMobil for their assistance and thank them on behalf of our community.”