Novartis in Slovenia donates computers to help children with distance learning during Covid-19 pandemic

Novartis in Slovenia argues that even in these changed circumstances due to the global health crisis, all children should be given equal opportunities to acquire knowledge. Due to the measures to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus, classes for Slovenian primary and secondary school students have been carried out at distance for more than a month. A key part of a successful learning process is a functioning computer, which many children do not have due to difficult material circumstances. Novartis in Slovenia therefore provided the necessary computer equipment for twenty students who need it the most. The computers were delivered to the children last week.

»Building long-term relationships and relationships with local communities in areas where Novartis operates, is an important part of our business, therefore we decided to help children from the socially most deprived families in the local communities of which we are part. The already vulnerable social groups are experiencing the current crisis the most. We are aware that only with equal access to distance education, our school children will be able to successfully participate in the learning process, even after they return back to school,« said Gizela Štampar, Head Anti-infectives Lendava, upon handing over the donation.

The excellent cooperation with the local authorities was extremely important in the implementation of the grant. On the advice of the mayors, Novartis in Slovenia contacted the principals of the selected primary schools who ensured that the donation went into the right hands. The computers went to the pupils from the Bilingual Primary School I Lendava, Primary School Hinko Smrekar in Ljubljana, Primary School Vencelj Perko in Domžale and Primary School Franjo Golob Prevalje.

During the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus, Novartis continues to care for the safety of patients and the associates worldwide. In implementing safety measures, they are strongly supported by exemplary cooperation with national and local authorities who help them ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Novartis also contributes to research efforts, ensures a stable supply and price of essential medicines, and provides assistance and support to communities in the countries where it operates. In recent weeks is has provided the Slovenian Red Cross and the Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth USD 500,000 from the Novartis’ Global Fund and donated personal protective equipment and disinfectants to health centres, hospitals, care homes and local communities across Slovenia. 

More information about the Novartis response to COVID-19 is available on https://www.lek.si/sl/o-nas/za-medije/covid-19/ and https://www.novartis.com/coronavirus.