Internet Access and Learning Materials to Children During COVID-19

1. Internet Access and Learning Materials to Children During COVID-19 Dr. Faustino Bernadett, a retired Long Beach CA physician, has been very busy during COVID-19 ensuring that kids have access to the learning materials they need to thrive. Coronavirus has limited or prevented school and community programs from convening due to the social distancing guidelines and stay at home orders. While programs are slowly starting to reopen, children in San Francisco, LA and surrounding areas are still struggling to gain access to the Internet and vital learning materials needed to finish up the school year and tackle summer classes. It’s no surprise that Dr. Bernadett is using his reputable influence to secure peace of mind for kids, teens and their families, thanks to his long history of volunteerism, charity, philanthropy, and selfless behavior. He continues to take strides as a volunteer to counteract some of the economic, societal and educational impacts of

2. the virus, relying on his experience and expertise in problem solving, planning and advising. Providing Internet Access and Learning Materials to Children In an effort to mitigate the long-term economic impacts of COVID-19 on struggling families, Dr. Bernadett’s focus is on reaching children without access to the Internet or educational resources while they are away from school. Dr. Bernadett and his wife donated to the National 4-H Council’s Fourward campaign to use for COVID-19 impacted youth in areas where no broadband exists. They also donated 100,000 books. About 55 million school children have been impacted by school closures, particularly the 12 million who do not have Internet access in this country. The FOURWARD Fund supports youth across all communities, both those with and without Internet access, to ensure children and teens have access to the resources and meaningful learning opportunities they need. The FOURWARD Fund accepts donations that support 4-H’s efforts in creating and delivering hands-on learning opportunities and support for young people. This organization provides educational resources, caring adult mentors and a sense of belonging to assist young people in thriving, especially during these difficult times. Learn more about how you can help here. Supporting Santa Teresita Catholic School in Boyle Heights In an effort to ensure important educational facilities in impacted communities do not close as the pandemic stretches on, Dr. Bernadett and his wife recently supplied computers and ensured broadband access to Santa Teresita Catholic School in Boyle Heights, a Catholic K-8 school at which they had previously stocked all of the books in the library. In addition, Dr. Bernadett and his wife are also supporting a summer school there, as well as covering the purchase of new textbooks and laptops for teachers so they can provide remote learning. Santa Teresita Catholic School is a K-8 Catholic elementary school in the Boyle Heights section of Los Angeles providing children with the love, care, respect and structure they need for strong academic, social and spiritual growth. It now has some

3. of the newest technology to enhance its curriculum and ensure all students have the necessary skills to be prepared for the academic rigors of higher level education, followed by successfully entering the workplace of the future. At the start of the 2017-2018 school year, children were supplied with the latest Chromebook laptops in the classroom, fueled by the school’s Wi-Fi network and high speed Internet access. A Continuing Effort Dr. Faustino Bernadett continues to spread good throughout the local educational community as he has always done, through strictly volunteer efforts. To learn more about Dr. Bernadett’s efforts during COVID-19 and beyond, including his work with the school, please visit https://www.bernadett.org/