Tõrva equips grades 7 to 12 students and teachers with computers

Tõrva municipality is the first in Estonia where all students in grades 7 to 12 and their teachers have received computers for use, ERR reported. The devices can be used for schoolwork both at school and at home.

The initiative involves 260 students and teaching staff. Software company GreenDice inspected used computers previously owned by SEB bank and leased them to Tõrva municipality. If a device breaks, it will be replaced, and the service is free for students.

“Most people have a laptop or desktop computer at home, but there are also children who do not have that opportunity. So it is very good that they are provided one by the school,” said Emily Mai, an eighth-grade student at Tõrva Gymnasium.

“A personal computer is better because every teacher can say that we will have a lesson with laptops, and everyone can participate in their own classroom,” said Kristofer Juht, a 12th-grade student at Tõrva Gymnasium.

GreenDice said the service could be expanded to other schools. The company said the model extends the useful life of computers used by large companies, reduces the need for families to buy computers and ensures that students’ digital capabilities do not depend on household budgets. Games are blocked on the devices.

“The service is broader: it is about bringing digital education into the school environment. We will also test this with Tõrva municipality to turn the school into one focused on digital education,” said GreenDice chief executive Argo Alaniit.

Tõrva municipal leaders also believe the computers could help involve young people in organising local life. “When winter comes and roads need to be cleared, students could create a programme for the municipality’s residents. Through it, the programme could quickly provide us with information,” said Tõrva municipal mayor Kalle Vister.

Residents can also lease a monitor and keyboard if they wish, making it easier to create their own website.