Loyola Schools Aids Students Amidst Online Learning; Provides Computers, WiFi Devices and Internet Allowance
Through the generous support and untiring efforts of various Loyola Schools offices, partners, and benefactors, the swift response to aid students in need of laptops and reliable internet service has been unprecedented.
As the Loyola Schools (LS) shifted to online classes due to COVID-19 restrictions, various offices and benefactors have teamed up to provide laptops, desktops, and WiFi devices to students in need.
“I know that many students were forced to raise funds in order to equip themselves with the tools needed for online learning. We do have a desktop at home, but it cannot possibly cater to the needs of four students. Fortunately, Ateneo was kind enough to lend me a computer set to use,” says Andrea Tiongco, a BSM AMF major who was one of the recipients of this initiative.
Since June 2020, 222 computers (both laptops and desktops) have been distributed to students. Meanwhile, 231 WiFi sticks were also donated by Ateneo College Batch 1995. One hundred more laptops are scheduled to be distributed this January 2021. In addition, the usual allowance that scholars receive for books and transportation was increased to accommodate their internet expenses. All these are made possible through the support of the Office of the Vice-President for the Loyola Schools, Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association, the Office of Admission and Aid (OAA), the Ateneo Scholarship Foundation, Inc., and the Rizal Library.
“The idea to lend out computers started from the Rizal Library’s initiative of lending WiFi devices to students. We were aware that a good number of scholars were dependent on the use of computers in the Rizal Library before the lockdown, and would obviously have a problem during online learning,” said Dr. Jose Maria Edito Tirol, OAA Director.
Ateneo’s love for its students is overwhelming. We are very blessed to be in a school that believes in supporting students so that they can thrive.
After securing the computers and devices, the job of figuring out logistics and delivering these much-needed hardware fell on the shoulders of the Office for Student Services (OSS). OSS Director Michael Mallillin shared that this initiative served a dual purpose as it gave jobs to the office messengers who were affected by the campus closure. Dubbed as “MamaMove,” the in-house delivery service of Ateneo brought the computers and devices to the students in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces. However, the service does not end there. Mallillin explained that the Office of Management Information Systems continues to assist students in troubleshooting.
Students are grateful for the assistance that LS provides—always going beyond what is expected of them. BS Biology undergraduate Jenn Sampiano revealed the lasting benefits of this initiative. “After receiving a laptop and internet allowance, it definitely made my academic life easier. It also encouraged me to keep studying hard despite the many challenges of online learning.”
Tiongco added, “Ateneo’s love for its students is overwhelming. We are very blessed to be in a school that believes in supporting students so that they can thrive. In return, we are motivated to do our best in our classes because we know that our school cares for us.”
The computer lending initiative is still ongoing, as the offices continue to receive requests from students. There is currently a waitlist, which has only gotten longer owing to the recent typhoons that damaged homes and property. For people or organizations interested in helping out this initiative, contact the OSS at 8426-6098, 0920-9142372, and oss.ls@ateneo.edu or the OAA at 8426-6075 and scholarships.ls@ateneo.edu.
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