Contrary to popular belief, the technology gap is not a far-off challenge, happening between the West and international communities that aren’t as advanced as us in terms of industry, economy, and technology. Many companies and businesses, as well as individuals, are shocked to learn that the technology gap in fact affects those communities much closer to home – from schools that cannot afford to upskill teachers and reach disadvantaged pupils effectively, to those who are unable to afford the technology they need to be able to browse for and secure jobs to help themselves.
Not only is this technology gap detrimental to society as a whole, but it is also exceptionally difficult to overcome without the buy-in from corporations and businesses across the board. This is where Computer Aid comes in.
Working to bridge the gap between those with technology to spare and those without, we take unwanted and unused devices, refurbish them, and then donate them to those in need via valued strategic partnerships.
So, how does this close the technology gap and why do we lean on the support of local partnerships to help us achieve it?
The impact of the technology gap on under-resourced communities
Without technology and access to the internet, under-resourced communities are only getting left further and further behind. Without the basic skills which allow them to operate in the modern world, these individuals regardless of age and ability are not given the tools they need to thrive – which only serves to widen and enhance the potency of the technology gap.
The benefits of local partnerships in addressing the technology gap
One of the main ways in which we help under-resourced communities on both a local and international scale is through education, delivering technology to schools and educational facilities around the world that need access to online resources in order to expand their curriculum and empower pupils with modern 21st century skills and tools.
Our work to support education expands further outside of schools, upskilling those in marginalised communities to create and finesse their own local businesses, and even supporting those in prison by allowing them to learn and access the skills to make something positive of their time during incarceration.
Our local partnerships, both here in the UK and overseas, allow us to identify those communities in need and ensure that adequate resources are sent to them according to their specific need. By working with these partnerships and letting them use their own connections and skills to both highlight the need for technology and monitor its effectiveness, our team at Computer Aid are free to channel our own time into maximising donations and access to used devices that we can refurbish and pass down the line.
Examples of successful local partnerships and how they close the technology gap
How do we know our business model works? We only need to look at the results of existing partnerships to recognise the value of upcycling technology and reducing e-waste. Through donated computers and devices, we have enabled pupils from London to Zambia and everywhere in between to access the internet, learn from innovative online resources, and understand the efficiency which comes with technology both in education and the workplace.
If you’re keen to make a difference, supporting under-resourced communities and boosting your own sustainability at the same time by cutting down on your company’s contribution to e-waste, then get in touch with us today.