COVID-19 – Donation of Computers for Online Schooling

The COVID-19 pandemic and measures to contain the virus are having an unprecedented impact on society. While every person rearranges their living and working habits to the various necessary regulations implemented by their local governments, our young citizens also need to keep on track of their education from the safety of their home. Online schooling, however, can only be possible with the right technological tools, that unfortunately aren't at the disposal of every child. In order to facilitate the current schooling process for some of these pupils at home, Bugatti is donating 120 computer units organized and distributed through the joint efforts of 'Fondation Passions Alsace' and 'Librairie LDE'.

The computers will be purchased from different suppliers in France and the package consisting of keyboard, CPU and monitor will be put together in the establishments of LDE. The subsequent distribution will be carried out via the Alsatian Regional Councils choosing the pupils who will receive the computers.

"The region Grand-Est here in the North-East of France has been among the risk regions and is, thus, one of the most severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. I think everyone has to accept at the very least some cutbacks in this situation, but some have been hit harder than others", explains Christophe Piochon, Directeur Général of Bugatti and Member of the Board of Management for Production and Logistics. "Children are our future and we need to make sure that they, too, get out of this crisis with the right tool in their hands – their education. It's a formidable initiative by 'Fondation Passions Alsace' and 'Librairie LDE' that we, of course, wanted to support, to contribute our grain of sand."

'Librairie LDE' – Make EVERY pupil succeed

LDE is an educational bookstore, born in Alsace 20 years ago with the ambition to make every pupil succeed, in close cooperation with the educational system. In order to simplify the teachers' tasks, LDE offers co-developed solutions giving the educators the possibility to concentrate on the core of their profession and attend to their pupils' needs. LDE is a partner of more than 3000 establishments in France and abroad. Today, LDE offers educators an educational online platform – free of charge – to create and share classes that ensure the pedagogical continuity with their pupils in just a few clicks: PopLab.

'Fondation Passions Alsace' – A foundation for regional initiatives

The 'Fondation Passion Alsace' is an Alsaction non-profit organization supporting initiatives of general interest for Alsace or those put into action outside of Alsace by Alsatian associations. These initiatives can concern any domain of society. Today, the foundation also joins the many benefactors and donors who want to engage in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for our Alsatian society in this difficult and troubled period of time. Already invested with its own funds into the 'Hôpital d'Obernai', the 'Fondation Passions Alsace' also bundles the efforts of volunteers and donors for many other projects in favor of those who need it the most. This is the case for this donation of computers for Alsatian pupils who are currently in confinement.

"As a society we have been keeping distance from each other, but in a way we have grown together. We are following the measures and regulations, not only to protect ourselves, but also to protect others", concludes Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. "We are all looking forward to the ramp-up plans of our governments. They will come soon, but step by step, so that many children will keep learning from home, at least partially. We hope that this donation helps them through this situation."