Refurbished computers for students

PICTURED: Students at Little Hearts in Cambodia proudly show off their 10 new laptops.

The Rotary Clubs of Katikati and Omokaroa, NZ, have a very successful program that refurbishes outdated computers that have been replaced by new models. The initiative is led by John Buchanan, a retired computer engineer, who upgrades the discards with new components and new software.

These laptops are mostly given to schools in the Pacific Islands that cannot afford to purchase new laptops. Schools in Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands have all benefitted from this program, with more than 100 machines donated to date. Schools in Cambodia, Philippines and Kenya have also received refurbished laptops.

The Rotary Club of Katikati has also partnered with International Needs NZ to provide laptops for a water resourcing project in Sri Lanka.

This ongoing project reflects the international reputation of Rotary and helps our poorer neighbours deliver better education for its youth.

Closer to home, 16 Chromebooks have been donated to Katikati College students who were going on to university. Bethlehem College students personally took the computers to Nasinu Secondary School in Fiji.

However, more unwanted computers are urgently needed to adapt for donation.

• If you have surplus computers that you or your company no longer need, contact John Buchanan via john@buchanan.co.nz and he will arrange collection.