The Green Organisation has launched a unique scheme that will be the launch-pad for a new national campaign to provide all schools and under-privileged people with computers and internet access.
We are aiming to reclaim and refurbish unwanted computers and make them available to any group or individual who can benefit from almost-new technology. A spokesman explained: "There are a lot of people who can improve their skills and their potential with the help of some low-cost hi-tech". Schools and voluntary groups are obvious beneficiaries, but there are also a lot of older individuals anxious to catch up with information technology - but cannot afford to buy new equipment.
"On the other hand, a lot of companies have to upgrade their machines on a regular basis and invariably have to dump their old computers. This is a tragic waste because we know of so many people who do not actually need state-of-the-art equipment and could benefit enormously from machines that are no longer adequate for business needs."
We aim to be the link between the "haves" and the "have-nots". We will seek only to cover the renovation costs, so many people will have £1,000-worth of technology for less than £75. Volunteers will take unwanted equipment into storage, renovate it, and re-house it with people and organisations who cannot afford to buy new.
As part of this initiative we are setting up our own databank of redundant equipment and matching it to the requirments of people who want to take advantage of the scheme.
Rescuing replaced computers, repairing them and re-housing them to schools, voluntary groups and others who cannot afford state-of-the-art equipment but find the good-as-new technology perfectly adequate for their needs.
2005 UPDATE: We no longer have the volunteers who were operating this scheme for us. As an alternative, try Recycle World; Elizabeth Richmond - 01752 662050