15/05/2013
Computer Aid sets up ZubaBox in Akure, Nigeria
In conjunction with the Murtala Mohammed Foundation, Computer Aid International has set up a new ZubaBox in Akure, (Ondo State), Nigeria. The inauguration took place on Monday the 22nd of April, 2013 at St. Peters Unity School. His Excellency the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun who attended the ceremony expressed his openness to continue working alongside Computer Aid in order to equip as many as possible of the region’s high schools with similar ICT access. The ZubaBox is a solar powered ICT hub fitted into a shipping container, designed to provide low power computing solutions to rural communities that otherwise would not have access to ICT. As a self-contained unit that is powered by solar energy, the ZubaBox can be deployed to the most rural and isolated communities anywhere in the world. As a result of its deployment in Akure, local students and teachers will now be able to use the ZubaBox to develop computer literacy skills. Members of the community will also benefit from access to ICT as the equipment will be available to use outside of standard teaching hours. Bankole Abifarin, a Program Analyst at the Murtala Muhammed Foundation spoke about the impact the instillation would have saying: 'The ZubaBox will be used in a community with little or no available resources for ICT. The target community in this instance will utilise the ZubaBox for both entrepreneurship and education as it will be situated at the community development skills acquisition centre. The centre is across the road from two schools thereby being used by the schools for ICT lessons in the school curriculum and for computer literacy courses for other people in the community while the students are not using it and during the holidays.' The Murtala Muhammed Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Africans. It specifically focuses on engendering self-reliance and economic empowerment and as such, has welcomed the integration of ICT to the community. Few rural communities in Africa currently have the infrastructure or resources required to facilitate the long term set up of ICT. Computer Aid’s ZubaBoxes allow children in some of the most remote areas to gain the IT skills they need for higher paid employment in the future. It enables access to connectivity for entrepreneurs and farmers so they can share knowledge and access new markets, while doctors and nurses can research the information and e-training needed for improved healthcare provision. There are many more organisations and communities in need of ICT. For further information about donating a ZubaBox to a community in need of ICT please contact Diana Brunato at diana@computeraid.org or call us on 0208 361 5540.

03/05/2013
We are the charity partner of the Macworld Awards
We are pleased to announce that we are now the charity partner to the Macworld Awards 2013! The Macworld Awards is THE event in the UK Apple Calendar where Macworld recognizes the stars of 2013 – the products and vendors that have made the most significant contribution to the Mac world’s industry. A truly unmissable event for everyone in the Apple industry, the Macworld Awards is the place to meet technology peers, celebrate successes and contribute to Computer Aid’s vital work in developing countries! The event will be held on 20 June 2013 at a 5-star luxury hotel in Kensington. There are still some tables left, book your place now! We will hold a charity raffle with amazing prizes. If you wish to donate a prize, get in touch! http://www.macworld.co.uk/awards/

03/05/2013
Sign up to our London to Paris Bike Ride
Take part in our amazing bike ride from London to Paris on 6-9 September and challenge yourself whilst raising funds for a great cause! This spectacular long weekend challenge from London to Paris, covers 300km in 3 days. Cycle through Kent with sweeping views of the North Downs to the white cliffs of Dover. Then set sail to France for two more action-packed days of cycling. Encounter historic towns, sleepy villages and rolling countryside en-route. Experience the thrill of riding along wide boulevards and crossing the Seine to finish at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Free time to explore Paris before taking the Eurostar back to London. Do not fancy this particular event? We have many more: Great Wall of China - 18 -27 October Euro city Cycle 4-8 Sept 2013 (London- Amsterdam- Brussels) Dead Sea to Red Sea Bike Ride 16-24 November 2013 Trek Burma 7 - 16 February 2014 Conquer Kilimanjaro 13 - 23 March 2014 If you have other events that you would like to see us running or if you want to run your own event for Computer Aid, then get in touch and we will do everything we can to support. Book now at: http://www.computeraid.org/event-form.asp For further info email diana@computeraid.org or call 02083615540

30/04/2013
ICT4D Research and Development Internship Opportunity at Computer Aid International
We are looking for an intern to assist our research and development work in the field of ICTs in development, the work will include: • Researching and identifying new partners and stakeholders in Africa and South America • Identifying new ICT4D products and services required by our target beneficiaries • Helping Computer Aid to keep abreast of changes in the ICT4D and ICT4E landscape • Identifying any conferences relating to ICT4D that Computer Aid could attend • Helping to keep all Computer Aid staff informed of any new developments in ICT4D and ICT4E Person specification: • Excellent oral and written communication skills • Proven research and report writing skills. • Existing experience/interest in ICT4D and/or ICT4E • Ability to deal effectively with people from all backgrounds • Ability to manage on-going relationships with key individuals and organisations • Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Computer Aid International. Ideally the candidate will be able to volunteer 2/3 days a week for a minimum of 3 months. Volunteer expenses of up to £10 per day will be paid for food and travel on production of valid receipts. To apply please send your CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the person specification to anja@computeraid.org . Deadline for applications Monday 3rd June 2013.

Computer Aid International is a UK-registered ICT for development charity which aims to reduce poverty through practical ICT solutions. We collect IT equipment for distribution in hospitals, universities, schools and not-for-profit organisations in over 100 countries. Find out what equipment we accept, from monitors, to base units to peripherals, or make a financial donation.

We provide only the best professionally-refurbished PCs and laptops which have been cleaned, data-wiped, tested and refurbished by our team of expert volunteers. And thanks to these volunteers and our donors, prices are kept as low as possible – see if you fit our criteria and apply now.

We also work on numerous initiatives to increase access to ICT among poor and disadvantaged communities, providing e-learning courses, training and environmental advocacy – read a sample of project case studies.

In other news...

We’re desperately seeking more TFTs, so over the next month we're running a few fun campaigns. What does your monitor look like? Post a pic of yours to Twitter with the hashtag #MonitorMe – and the most Favourited gets a prize! (HP i5 laptop).

Have you got two minutes? What are the most important issues to you when you donate a pc? Take part in our five question survey on the security of your data!

And if you're bouncing around with the joys of Spring, sign up to one of our challenge events. Get fit and raise funds for Computer Aid, which will help us continue to work towards bridging the digital divide.

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