[Fwd: [unitescommunity] guide on operating a successful computer refurbishment centre in Africa]

-----Forwarded Message-----
From: J Cravens <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unitescommunity] guide on operating a successful computer
refurbishment centre in Africa
Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2004 15:01:07 +0000


(forwarded message)

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:             [email protected]
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


-- 
Rachel Engel
International Media and Relations Manager

South Africa: PO Box 715, Cape Town 8000
Tel: +27 21 465 9313 -- Fax +27 21 465 5917
United States: 1887 Newton Street NW, Washington DC 20010
US Contact: Ed Cavazos, +1 512 320-9279 -- Fax +1 202 318 7792






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