Charity who collects computers for Africa coming to Perth

Sep 25 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

STAFF from a charity that supports education projects in Africa will be collecting unwanted computers in Perth next week.

Computers 4 Africa wants local residents to hand in their spare PCs, laptops and any other working IT equipment at St Catherine’s Retail Park next Friday and Saturday (October 2 and 3).

Lydia Harris, from the Kent-based organisation, said 38 gizmos were donated following a similar Fair City appeal last year, which she described as “a huge success”.

“Our desire is to see children in Africa reach their full potential,” Ms Harris enthused yesterday.

“Donated IT equipment will be sent to school children across Africa and will be used to teach them vital skills which they would not otherwise have the opportunity to acquire.”

Mindful of donors’ concerns about the potential for identity theft and similar offences, Ms Harris said all the project’s computers are securely datawiped before being shipped abroad.

“Schools across the UK have donated over 100 computers in the last three months, and we have recently sent a container of computers to South Africa and Tanzania.

“Although we know that computer lessons are not the only way to educate a child, IT is a useful tool in providing the opportunity to develop life-changing skills.”

The computer hand-in takes runs from 9am-5pm on both days. To be eligible, donated equipment must be less than five years old and in working condition.