Reusing IT to combat digital poverty
One in five children home-schooled during the pandemic lacked access to an appropriate device, such as a laptop. As technology continues to advance, more people are being left behind, worsening existing inequities related to race, gender, age, ability, and income. (Digital Poverty Alliance)
To combat digital poverty, the University of St Andrews has partnered with Reusing IT, a charity based in West Lothian. Reusing IT refurbishes and repairs PCs, laptops, and other IT equipment to supply low-income households and overseas organizations working in education, health, and agriculture.
Local Charities
Reusing IT currently collaborates with Families First, a local charity in St Andrews that supports children and young people facing significant life challenges, to provide refurbished laptops.
Project Zambia
The partnership also directly supports the University’s Project Zambia by providing laptops and mobile phones to local schools in the country. The project aims to bring health, education, and sport to the children of Zambia and is a collaboration between the University’s Department of Sport & Exercise and the non-government organization Sport in Action.