[trashware] Fwd: [Bridges.News] Bridges.org produces comprehensive guide on setting up and operating a successful computer refurbishment centre in Africa

[paolo palmerini]

On 11/08/04 08:48:57, Rachel Engel wrote:
Bridges.org produces comprehensive guide on setting up and operating a  
successful computer refurbishment centre in Africa

November 8, 2004

More Africans need to get their hands on computers in order for Africa  
to tap the potential of information and communications technology (ICT)  
to improve lives. But the price of new computers puts them beyond the  
reach of most Africans. And the overall lack of technical skills also  
limits computer use across the continent.

Locally owned computer refurbishment centres may help. When  
refurbishment is done cheaply and efficiently, restored computers can  
be resold at a low price. But in Africa, it may require more than just  
a viable refurbishment operation: everybody wins when a social purpose  
is embedded in the business. The refurbishment process provides  
technical training to members of the community, who can help sustain  
effective ICT use.  And centres increase their likelihood of success by  
offering services that are usually not otherwise available, like  
consultation and technical support.

When used equipment is donated to refurbishment centres it keeps costs  
down.  It also solves problems for big companies that have social  
corporate responsibility obligations, and which increasingly face  
environmental mandates on hardware disposal. Several international  
initiatives are underway to bring second-hand computers to Africa, and  
many intend to refurbish at the local destination.

But there are only a few successful computer refurbishment centres in  
Africa at present, and very little is documented about their  
experiences for others to learn from. "How to Set Up and Operate a  
Successful Computer Refurbishment Centre in Africa:  A Planning and  
Management Guide" is the result of a study undertaken by bridges.org in  
early 2004, which examined the methods and strategies of the computer  
refurbishment industry, focusing on Africa. This guide describes the  
steps involved in opening a computer refurbishment centre in Africa and  
managing it into productivity.

Teresa Peters, bridges.org's executive director believes, “Second-hand  
computers aren't ideal, but they will probably be a reality for Africa  
at least in the short term. As environmental mandates in North America  
and Europe start to kick-in during the next few years, used computers  
will be shipped to Africa in unprecedented numbers.  It is crucial that  
the refurbishment be done locally, so Africans gain skills as part of  
the process.  This guide sets out proven methods that could be  
replicated in refurbishment centres across the continent. ”

For the full report in PDF format please go to:  
http://www.bridges.org/refurb/Refurb_Centre_Guide_bridges.org.pdf

Ends ###

For more information please contact:
Name:      Philipp Schmidt, Technology Programme Manager
Email: 	      research@bridges.org
Tel:           +27 21 465 9313
Fax:          +27 21 465 5917

About bridges.org
Bridges.org is an international non-profit organisation based in South  
Africa with a mission to promote the effective use of ICT in developing  
countries to improve people's lives. One area of focus is informing  
policy decisions that affect people's access to and use of ICT.  
Bridges.org also conducts technology research and provides social  
consulting services to ground level projects using ICT, helping with  
project planning and evaluation and relaying lessons learned. It brings  
an entrepreneurial attitude to its social mission, and is committed to  
working with, instead of against, government agencies and the business  
community. For more information please see www.bridges.org.




-- 
paolo palmerini
http://palmerini.org