Digital Pipeline working as Computers 4 Africa

Children’s technology charity donate their used equipment to Computers 4 Africa

Everyone loves a good cause, and of course, charities are no different. That’s why, when a children’s hospice no longer needs the computers and hardware Lifelites provides, the children’s charity makes sure it donates the replaced equipment to Computers 4 Africa. Lifelites is the only charity in the UK to install and maintain assistive technology packages for terminally ill children in hospices. Their innovative work was recognised this summer as they were declared Overall Winners at the prestigiousTechnology4Good Awards.

Lifelites renew their packages every four years and have been donating the replaced hardware to Africa technology projects for some time.  “We get through a lot of hardware; our package has changed considerably over the last few years to keep up with developments in assistive technology.” Simone explained, “Even as our packages become more tailored to the needs of disabled children, it’s great to know our older kit is still of value.”

Computers 4 Africa were delighted to recieve equipment from Lifelites and its great to know that the computers will continue to do good in communities in Africa.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in our Christmas Card Competition this year. For the past month, we’ve asked schools across Kent to create an image to be used as part of our annual Christmas card. There is a prize for the student and trophy for the school and their image will be used as the official Computers 4 Africa card. Entrants were encouraged to creatively combine the African theme with the Christmas message.

2011 winner is Ellie Harrison of St David’s College in  West Wickham. Well done Ellie. We will be releasing more of the best images so watch this space.

Michael Clarke, SEPIA director, discussing the new computers with Mr Ebenezer Amoh at New Tafo Methodist JHS

In October 2011 200 PC’s and 16 laptops were successfully delivered to the busy port of Tema in Ghana. In a project funded by the charity SEPIA – Supporting Educational Projects in Africa, these computers were then collected by teachers and delivered to a range of schools within the Eastern Region of Ghana. In many of the schools these were the first computers the children had ever seen and this created great excitement for both teaching staff and the school children. Mr Ebenezer Amoh, teacher at New Tafo Methodist Junior High School (JHS), commented “for our children these computers will make such a difference; not only in lessons but also when they go out to work. Computer skills are in great demand in Ghana and this will mean that our children will be able to compete for jobs they could have only dreamed of before. It will help them and their families and we all want to say a huge thank you to SEPIA and Computers 4 Africa.” The computers were divided up to allow each school to receive 20 PC’s, which included one high spec. SEPIA has been working with schools in the Eastern Region of Ghana since 2004 and has also now established a working relationship with the Regional Government Inspector of Schools for this area. Computers 4 Africa were highly commended by the Inspector for supplying such good quality computers and it is hoped that through SEPIA more schools in the area will be able to benefit in future.

Bennett Griffin LLP, solicitors for business and individuals across Sussex and surrounding counties, recently upgraded to new computers. Stephen Hollamby, Managing Partner of Bennett Griffin says, "I immediately thought about Computers 4 Africa, Africa has the lowest rate of PC ownership per capita in the world; in other words, computers in Africa are rare. Most African schools simply can’t afford computers, meaning most African children will not have access to IT or IT training.  We have 25 + computers which will now go to a great home and we are delighted that Bennett Griffin are able to assist in this way".  Stephen went on, "Next year we will be replacing a further 25 computers, and  our IT plan includes upgrading our servers, so we are delighted to be able to continue to help Computers 4 Africa over the coming years."  For more information about Bennett Griffin's involvement in the Community go to http://www.bennettgriffin.co.uk/bg_in_the_community.htm Computers 4 Africa was delighted to help a business showing as much excellence in its work into the community as it work with its clients. To find out more about how we can work with your business to make economical and ethical WEEE disposal  contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Companies refresh their IT approx. every 3 years and on average the individual once every 5 (if they're lucky) but you don't have to wait to donate to Computers 4 Africa.  We can now accept donations via text. All you have to do is text ITED11 followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70070. It is now easier for you at home to benefit the lives of children in Africa, without any of the hassles involved. 100% of the donation you send will help our charity, and if only twenty people donate £2 each, we can send a Gold standard computer to an African school, changing the lives of many. Just one computer can give IT training to over 20 children in Africa, helping them to triple their income prospects and change their families’ lives.

Computers 4 Africa head office has relocated to Aylesford. After doubling the intake of donations over the past year our premises needed to expand to fit the growing needs of the charity. Taking the bull by the horns Computers 4 Africa decided to take on not just more space but more technology. Priory Park has been designed with us in mind, from the technical benches to our open plan office space.

"Priory Park has a real air of quality about it that sets it apart and this will be a great place from which to work and do business. Having the ability to think out our work flows especially in our warehouse will help us process more kit allowing us to send more to Africa.”

Later in the year the site will be opened to our donors and dignitaries to view what we do and how we work.