Great South Chief Executive Chami Abeysinghe said the initiative would help strengthen digital inclusion and support young people to develop the skills they need for the future.
“Access to technology is increasingly essential for learning, skill development and preparing young people for the workforce,” she said.
“This initiative will help ensure more Southland students and young people have access to the tools they need to participate fully in education and build confidence using digital technology.”
Through the initiative, MBIE is donating retired laptops from its fleet to support the Southland Youth Futures Programme, youth development organisation Your Corps and Southland Boys High School.
In total, 320 laptops will be distributed across the three organisations, helping to improve digital access for young people across the region.
All laptops have been tested and refurbished to ensure they are in good working condition before being distributed.
Mrs Abeysinghe said initiatives like this demonstrated the value of collaboration between Government agencies, local organisations and schools.
“Partnerships like this allow us to make practical use of resources that still have plenty of life left in them while creating real opportunities for young people in our communities,” she said.
The laptops will be delivered in stages, with the first tranche arriving in the next couple of weeks and further devices expected later in the year for some programmes.
