Computer Aid launches Christmas Appeal | 01/12/2011
We have just launched our Christmas Appeal to help address the massive gulf that exists between the industrialised and developing countries in terms of access to ICTs. Less than five percent of the population of Africa has access to the internet, which is far below the worldwide average of 23 percent. There is also the problem of communications infrastructure, with 67% of people living in rural areas in Africa and Latin America without access to electricity, and if they do, it is more often than not ‘down’.
Access to ICTs is not the solution to the world’s problems, but as a tool, ICT makes a real difference to people’s livelihoods. Access to ICT can significantly improve sustainable poverty reduction initiatives and plays a vital role in education, healthcare, governance, economic growth and rural development.
Computer Aid has been working for the past 14 years to reduce poverty through practical ICT solutions. We do this by providing high quality, professionally refurbished computers and laptops for use in education, health, agriculture and not-for-profit organisations in some of the poorest parts of the world. We work in partnership with organisations on the ground to deliver training and technical support. Recent projects include the supply of telemedicine equipment to remote hospitals, linking them with city hospitals and specialists, the provision of solar-powered ICT solutions, rural wireless connectivity and, most recently, the launch of a new ICT training enterprise in Kenya. To date Computer Aid has provided almost 200,000 PCs and laptops to over 100 countries.
How can you help Computer Aid this Christmas?
Donate a PC - As a computer user, you know just how invaluable your PC or laptop is in your work and personal life. Why not make your old computer a valuable educational tool in a school in a developing country? The success of Computer Aid's work can be attributed to donations from businesses as well as from individuals. They recognise how important these donations are and also how difficult it can be to find somewhere locally to take your old PC. For corporate donations click here and for individual donations click here.
Make a Financial Donation - Your financial donation to Computer Aid will support their ongoing work to bridge the digital divide. Donations enable the charity to continue to provide essential ICT training, refurbish and ship high quality PCs and laptops, develop software and innovative solutions such as solar powered ICT solutions and telemedicine kits. Whether you can donate £5 or fundraise for £5,000 your support will make a huge difference to their vital work.
Visit their page here for more information or to donate, or contact Rachel for fundraising ideas and information.
Click to return to list of headlines
Support Computer Aid this Christmas!