🌟🖥️ In today’s world, being able to use technology is important for social inclusion, education, and work. Good news is that there are some programs in different countries that understand this and donate used computers to migrants, refugees, and other people in need, either directly, or through circular economy projects. By doing so, not only the digital divide is narrowed, but also some power is given to those who need it the most. These digital devices serve not only as practical instruments but also as hope, communication means, and steps towards better life.
Here are some initiatives that promote repair, refurbish and reuse, instead of disposal.
United Kingdom:
- Asylum Welcome’s Laptops and Digital Inclusion Project:
- The Restart Project:
Portugal:
- Collaborative platforms for donation:
- The Solidarity Computer is an initiative of the ‘Os Solidários’ association, which aims to support those who don’t have the opportunity to own a computer through sponsorship. Born out of COVID-19, in which all schools were forced to suspend their face-to-face teaching activities, forcing teachers and students to adapt to distance learning, it was soon realised that not all students had access to the internet or a computer to follow the activities proposed by their teachers. So the Solidarity Computer was born to solve this problem. More information at computadorsolidario.pt.
Cyprus:
- Cyprus Refugee Council:
- They are supported through the implementation of various projects, funded through local, European and International funders.
Malta:
- Your Device – Your Right:
- Launched by The Malta Trust Foundation, this project aims to distribute second-hand refurbished laptops and tablets to disadvantaged families.
Spain:
- For social and environmental causes
- Donalo is a website that allows people to donate and reuse products, especially computer equipment , and to support social and environmental causes.
- Ordenadores Sin Fronteiras collects and refurbishes donated computers and sends them to public schools and institutes in Spain and other countries. Its mission is to promote the right to education and access to technology for everyone. It also accepts monetary donations and volunteers.
If you have a laptop gathering dust, consider passing it on—it could change someone’s life.
Sources: All sources are linked to in-text.