Following claims of sensitive data being stolen from recycled computers in Africa after their UK disposal, Murray Douglas, Project Manager of Cheltenham-based charity IT Schools Africa (ITSA), reassured Gloucestershire businesses and the general public that ITSA thoroughly wipes all sensitive date from all recycled computers, meeting approved government standards.

Every computer we receive can provide 50 children in Africa with access to 120 hours of IT learning.

Murray Douglas of ITSA said that when it comes to disposing of old computers, companies should only deal with organisations which comply with government CESG guidelines (communications electronics security group) for data security and ensure that disposal companies destroy drives which are not likely to be re-used.

Mr Douglas confirms that it s ITSAs policy to use only CESG approved tools that can overwrite every aspect of the hard disc, making recovery of the data impossible.

Mr Douglas said: IT Schools Africa urges all businesses and organisations as well as the general public to continue to donate us with their old computers. Every computer we receive can provide 50 children in Africa with access to 120 hours of IT learning.

If you would like to donate to the Computers for African Schools programme please contact Murray Douglas .