Camara: 2m children could be educated by reusing computers

Life

Businesses could help in the education of up to 2 million children if computers were donated for reuse. Only three in every ten organisations consider reuse when disposing IT equipment, a survey by Dublin-based social enterprise Camara has found.

According to a survey conducted by Camara, looking at attitudes of Irish organisations to computer reuse, only three out of 10 consider reuse when disposing of used IT equipment. 20% of organisations interviewed were aware that computer reuse is a more environmentally responsible option, but were consciously choosing other means of computer disposal.

It is estimated that up to 500,000 computers are disposed of each year, and as many as half could be refurbished.

The Department of Education’s plan to introduce e-portfolios into the new Junior Cycle English syllabus will greatly increase the demand for IT equipment and training. It is estimated 20,000 computers will be required by post primary schools and most will struggle to afford the equipment. The shortfall in IT equipment could be met by the large amount of machines being scrapped by businesses each year.

Camara Education CEO John Fitzsimons said: "It is senseless that 500,000 computers are being destroyed every year when half of these could be reused in schools that cannot afford to buy new technology. We need Irish businesses to take the lead and insist that computers are reused for education."

On Wednesday Camara opened its latest facility in Chapelizod in Dublin. Speaking at the opening President Michael D Higgins said: "Camara has made significant inroads in improving access to technology for disadvantaged communities by helping to close the well known digital divide, enabling citizens to participate in their society."

Camara recently won an ICT Excellence Award for their use of technology in education.

Since 2005, over 40,000 computers have been sent to eLearning labs in 2,000 schools, with 11,000 teachers receiving training and support. 500,000 children are now digitally literate.

TechCentral Reporters