How We Work

In the UK

Our work in the UK is to talk to businesses as they upgrade to the very latest technology and encourage them to donate their PCs to Computer Aid International for re-use in schools and community organisations in the developing world.

This is what PC donor Tokyo-Mitsubishi had to say about our professional decommissioning service:

"We called up Computer Aid Internationaland they verified their policy of securely removing any applications and data from the PCs. Computer Aid International accepts full liability upon receipt of PCs so all we had to do was list the equipment that was removed.

This year we made our first donation of 250 units and we intend to make further donations whenever possible."

Nick Pye, Hardware Support Manager, Tokyo-Mitsibushi International plc

In the UK Computer Aid International provides a high-level decommissioning service to PC donors. As a result of our professional service tens of thousands of PCs have been donated to us. However, this figure is a drop in the ocean when research shows that there are close to 3 million PCs decommissioned in the UK every year

A Computer Aid International volunteer
technician refurbishing a donated PC

So what happens to the donated PCs? All donated PCs will be thoroughly data-wiped to the highest standard. We are aware how important this is for all our donors and for this reason we have formed a partnership with the leading data removal specialist, and Ministry of Defence approved, market leaders Blancco.

Once the hard drives have been completely removed of data by one of our technicians, the PC will be fully refurbished and tested before it is boxed, ready for shipment to the developing world.

Computer Aid International refurbishing
workshop in North London.

Listed below are just some of the many hundreds of businesses who have donated to Computer Aid International:

  • British Airways
  • Orange
  • Virgin
  • Diageo
  • HM Treasury
  • National Audit Office
  • Investec
  • Pepsico
  • Enfield Council

In the Developing World

Our work in developing countries is to identify those potential recipient organisations where the application of IT will have the most positive social and economic impact.

The digital divide that currently exists between the developed and developing countries is enormous. Latest World Bank research shows that there are 5 or less computers per 1,000 people in the vast majority of Sub-Saharan African countries. This figure is also applicable to the South Asian sub-continent.

Sixth formers in Swaziland benefiting from Computer Aid InternationalPCs

It is no wonder that there is a great demand for affordable access to PCs. For the many, access to such equipment is out of their reach and only available in expensive internet cafes and private colleges.

Who have we supplied PCs to?

Computer Aid International has supplied PCs to over 5,000 organisations in the developing world.

Listed below are just some of our developing world partners and projects.

  • Computers for Schools Kenya
  • World Links Zimbabwe
  • World Links Rwanda
  • British Council Cameroon
  • Christian Relief Development Association, Ethiopia
  • SchoolNet Malawi
  • SchoolNet Mali
  • Computer Education Trust, Swaziland
  • Fantsuam Foundation, Nigeria
  • CIDA University, South Africa
For more information on some our projects please go to the Where We Work page.

Application procedure for computers

Computer Aid International is approached by many hundreds of overseas organisations who are interested in receiving refurbished Pentium computers. Many organisations apply for computers by completing our application online.

For others who do not have access to the internet we will post or fax the application form. Computer Aid International will provide computers to non governmental organisations working in developing countries. To cover the cost of collecting, testing, refurbishing, and packing of a single computer Computer Aid International charges £39 plus shipping per PC. Once you have submitted your application form Computer Aid International will provide an invoice for the full cost, including shipping.

Once we have received an approved application and payment Computer Aid International is able to transport the computers to its shipping agent who then take on the responsibility of shipment to the appropriate destination (sea freight on average can take 4 weeks).

Once payment clears into our account, our shipping agent will arrange for the delivery of the PCs to the closest freight terminal anywhere in the world.

Computer Aid International will send you, by international courier, a Bill of Loading and Gift Certificate to enable recipients to take delivery of the consignment and clear customs.