Author: nimda

🌟🖥️ 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:
  • Asylum Welcome, based in Oxfordshire, runs this project. They have provided over 180 laptops to refugees and asylum seekers, enabling them to process asylum applications, access educational resources, and participate in online courses.
  • Example: Afghan families arriving in hotels in Oxfordshire received devices that became a lifeline to the outside world.
• The Restart Project:
  • Community groups like The Restart Project continue to combat digital exclusion by accepting individual donations of computers. These devices are then refurbished and provided to refugees, school children, and job seekers in need.

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.

The third newsletter of the INCLUDE-CE project is now available!

Migration is a global phenomenon that affects many people for various reasons such as job seeking, escaping conflict, pursuing education, or others. However, upon arrival in a new country, many obstacles may arise, especially in terms of social and professional inclusion. Factors such as discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and restrictive migration policies can all contribute to making this inclusion more difficult. The consequences of this social and professional non-inclusion of migrants can be serious, such as mental health issues, financial insecurity, and marginalization.

In order to ensure their well-being and contribution to the community, the integration of migrants into the host country is important. A country that welcomes all its members, regardless of their origin, language, or religion, is beneficial for everyone. Policies and initiatives aimed at promoting the inclusion of migrants in the labor market and in society can improve the living conditions of migrants and strengthen social cohesion.

That is why INCLUDE-CE  (Inclusion and Digital Empowerment through Circular Economy) was established. INCLUDE-CE is a project created by five European partners: African Media Association Malta, Solidaridad Sin Fronteras, Mindshift, CARDET, and Arciragazzi. Its main objective is to reduce the digital divide in technological skills, preparation, and resilience of migrants to promote their collaboration, social and professional inclusion through the philosophy of the circular economic system via reuse, repair, and refurbishment of second-hand digital devices such as computers, mobile phones, and tablets transformed into educational devices and assets.

To achieve this, several activities are undergone. Among them are:

• A digital literacy course, aimed at people from third countries or belonging to ethnic minorities, having little to no knowledge of using computer devices. 
• An Active Job Search Course that will open the opportunity for online vacancies and the possibility for learners to access job offers. 

For the digital literacy course, five modules will be taught to learners. They are:

1. Introduction to circular economy and understanding device value
2. Personal computer basics
3. Software and Windows environment
4. File management and internet basics
5. Email and document creation

For the Course on Active Job Search, seven modules are proposed. They are: 

1. How to define my professional objective.
2. How to create a CV through the computer.
3. How to create a Motivation Letter.
4. How to create a profile on the main online job search platforms.
5. How to conduct a job interview over the phone.
6. How to conduct a job interview via videoconference.
7. How to conduct a personal job interview.

At the end of the project, beneficiaries will gain access to technological devices, digital culture, and more developed knowledge of their skills and competencies. 

INCLUDE-CE is an important initiative to promote the inclusion of migrants in society and strengthen social cohesion.

It is not new that the circular economy applies to many areas, including technology. 

This article aims to understand how digital tools can support the circular economy. Digital tools play, indeed, a big role in the implementation of the circular model. Here they are: 

• Exchange platforms: Digital platforms can support exchanges between businesses and consumers. In this way, it is possible to extend the life of products and avoid waste. For example, second-hand platforms can allow products that have reached the end of their useful life to find a new life with other users.
• Environmental impact modelling: Digital modelling tools can help companies understand the environmental impact of their products and production processes. As such, it can help them identify areas where improvements can be made to reduce their environmental footprint.
• Waste management: Digital tools can facilitate more efficient and responsible waste management. Waste tracking and management systems can help companies track their waste streams and find ways to reduce or recycle them.
• Data analysis: Data analytics tools have the ability to help track and measure circular economy performance. With these tools, companies will find it easier to understand their environmental impact and find ways to improve it.
• Sharing economy: Digital tools facilitate the sharing economy. Indeed, they allow individuals to share resources and goods. This economy helps to reduce resource consumption and to promote a better use of existing goods.

In addition, digital tools can also be used to facilitate the traceability and transparency of raw materials and waste streams. With these, it will be possible to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the supply chain. This will make resource management more efficient.

Some tools used for tracking can be listed, such as : 

• Databases,
• QR codes, 
• barcodes, 
• Radio-frequency identification (RFID), It uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects,
• watermarks.

By providing valuable information on raw materials, recycling waste in a better way, sharing resources and goods, and improving the traceability and transparency of raw material and waste flows, digital tools play an important role in implementing the circular economy principle.

Sources:

Toward a circular economy: The role of digitalization – ScienceDirect

Include-CE – Circular economy to infinity

Circular economy is a sustainable economic model that aims to maximise the use of natural resources through a cycle of production, use and regeneration, all through the reuse, repair, recycling and regeneration of materials and products.

The circular economy stands out from the crowd because, unlike the traditional linear economic model of ‘extract-produce-consume-throw’, it aims to minimise waste and resource loss, while promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation.

The circular economy is based on the following principles:

• Reducing the consumption of raw materials and energy
• Favouring the use of renewable and non-toxic material
• Promoting the design of sustainable, reusable and easily recyclable products
• Promote the regeneration of ecosystems and natural resources.
• Encourage the reuse, repair and recycling of products at the end of their life

The implementation of the circular economy plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving natural resources, creating green jobs and achieving sustainable economic growth.

Where does the circular economy come from? 

The circular economy has its origins in a convergence of disciplines and practices, ranging from economics and ecology to design and engineering. 

Its origins date back to the 1970s, when the Swiss architect Walter Stahel developed the concept of the functionality economy, which instead of simply selling goods, recommends the use of sustainable, repairable and adaptable products and services.

In the 1990s, the American architect and designer William McDonough developed the concept of “cradle-to-cradle”, which advocates designing products that can be recycled or regenerated at the end of their life.

In recent years, awareness of the environmental and social impact of traditional economic models has grown significantly. This has led to the recognition of the circular economy as a sustainable and innovative business model. Today, many companies, communities and organisations are working towards the implementation of circular economic systems, with the aim of preserving natural resources and creating long-term value. 

The circular economy is a promising model that can contribute to the reduction of waste and resource loss, while promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation. In recent years, the concept has gained significant recognition as an innovative business model. Many companies and organizations are now working towards implementing circular economic systems to create long-term value while preserving natural resources. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the regeneration of ecosystems and natural resources, the circular economy can contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

The first newsletter of the INCLUDE-CE project is now available!