When the representative from BC Children’s Hospital School Program reached out to ERA to help one of their patients obtain a laptop, we were quick to help. There is an immediate need when a youth is in hospital but still needs to keep up with schooling. This patient is 13 years of age and his cancer has relapsed. He expressed his gratitude with a letter to ERA. “My teacher from the BC children’s hospital gave me this laptop after I found out I would have to leave school for my second treatment for cancer and from what I understand your organization helps fix and restore old electronics and you gave some to BC children’s hospital. I am honored to have received one of these electronics for use in school and homework. I will forever be thankful for the use of this device.”
The BC Children’s Hospital School Program provides educational support to children and youth while they or their siblings are staying in the hospital. The program is a Provincial Resource Program run by two experienced teachers from the Vancouver School Board. Anyone who is of Kindergarten to Grade 12 age can attend. The child must be one of the following:
- An inpatient
- An outpatient, visiting the hospital for appointments or treatments
- A school-aged sibling of a patient
- A child of a BC Women’s Hospital patient
Children who cannot attend the schoolroom itself can get educational support in their rooms in the afternoon. To use this service, alert your child’s health care team of your concerns about school. You do not need a referral to use this service. With the approval of your child’s health care team, bring your child to the schoolroom in the morning. If possible, phone in advance to speak to one of their in-hospital teachers and bring work from your child’s school teacher to ensure continuity and relevancy of studies.
Visit the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation website to learn more about how you can support the hospital. (https://www.bcchf.ca/)
The ERA works with local companies to repurpose used electronics and IT equipment in a safe and secure manner. Our team works with community charities to provide repurposed computers and electronics to those in need. Contribute to our mission of reducing e-waste by recycling your unwanted electronic devices with the ERA.