Like everything else, computers have a life span. When that time is up, most people take the machines to the dump and upgrade to newer models. But Restore a Sense of I Can (RSC), a non-profit organisation, is collecting old, unwanted computers and partnering with schools to repair, refurbish and donate the machines to those less fortunate in society.
Yesterday, RSC launched its partnership project with students of Naparima College’s IT club. Together, they repaired, refurbished and rebuilt 19 computers to donate to Hope Centre, a home for abandoned children in San Fernando. Speaking at the launch, Naparima Boys’ principal Dr Michael Dowlat said the move would not only assist those in need but would give the students a sense of social responsibility.
“This programme will teach students about their social responsibility, that they are blessed to be educated so richly and can give something back to society,” Dowlat said.
RSC’s technical director, Raj Ramdass, told the students electronic waste (E-waste) was a major environmental problem that the programme could tackle.
“E-waste is a significant global problem and in T&T we don’t have the policies to properly handle our E-waste.
“This programme can reduce the negative effects on the environment by reusing and recycling old computers and not just letting them sit in the country’s landfills,” Ramdass said. He said the IT club could also teach students to develop applications that could be used as teaching tools.
“You can develop simulations and apps that can be used in the classroom or at home to help with your school work,” he said.
RSC’s marketing director, Randall Sinanan, told the T&T Guardian that RSC was hoping companies and private citizens would get on board with the programme.
“Basically all they have to do is get in contact with us or take the unwanted and used machines to the nearest high school that is partnered with us and the students there will fix it.
“Right now there are about 60,000 to 100,000 machines in T&T’s landfills. Those machines could make the world of difference to someone who can’t afford one,” he added.
Sinanan said RSC was also loading educational software programmes onto the computers before donating them. Anyone interested in donating their old computers can contact Sinanan at 485-0338 or Ramdass at 474-3280.