Our approach in the UK
We work with back to work employment and training agencies and other charities; the Job Centre, Prospect and the Prince's Trust, helping to support and train people currently out of work. Volunteering helps to develop their employment prospects by improving their IT and communication skills and levels of literacy and numeracy. We also teach computer refurbishment and IT skills to disadvantaged and disabled people on work experience placements. You can see how our programme works at Ruskin Mill College.
Working with UK prisons
Another important part of the programme is our work with HMP prisons. The prison inmates help to disassemble equipment ready for refurbishment at our workshop in Cheltenham. This involves cleaning each machine, checking the parts and further quality control checks, before they are returned to the Cheltenham HQ.
This work gives the prisoners the opportunity to learn new skills to give something back to society. We have had really positive feedback from the prisoners, one prisoner commented:
"I have enjoyed working to give something back to those less fortunate than me."
This work gives the prisoners the opportunity to learn new skills to give something back to society. We have had really positive feedback from the prisoners, one prisoner commented:
"I have enjoyed working to give something back to those less fortunate than me."
Refurbishing computers ready for shipment
Much of our donated computer equipment comes from individuals, businesses and schools. We are extremely grateful to our donors, as it's with their support we are able to send shipments to Africa.
Once received at our offices in Cheltenham, the computers are refurbished; all data is wiped from the hard drives using NCSC ( National Cyber Security Centre ) approved software, the equipment is checked and repaired where necessary, then new software is installed on each machine.
Finally the computers and monitors are packed on pallets, ready for the next shipment to Africa. Once the container has been shipped, it takes approximately 6-8 weeks for it to arrive at its final destination.
We aim to send all appropriate, working equipment to Africa, but sometimes we receive items not suitable, due to damage or are equipment that is too specialist, so these are resold or recycled in the UK and the proceeds put back into the charity.
Once received at our offices in Cheltenham, the computers are refurbished; all data is wiped from the hard drives using NCSC ( National Cyber Security Centre ) approved software, the equipment is checked and repaired where necessary, then new software is installed on each machine.
Finally the computers and monitors are packed on pallets, ready for the next shipment to Africa. Once the container has been shipped, it takes approximately 6-8 weeks for it to arrive at its final destination.
We aim to send all appropriate, working equipment to Africa, but sometimes we receive items not suitable, due to damage or are equipment that is too specialist, so these are resold or recycled in the UK and the proceeds put back into the charity.
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