NetHui 2020: Recycle A Device (Bronwyn Scott)

• Kia ora, I’m Bronwyn Scott. - Kia ora, I’m Michael Trengrove. - And we’re part of the Recycle a Device Initiative. We’re asking people to donate technology new or used, so long as it’s less than 10 years old and comes with a charger, so that we can get it to people who really need it. The COVID-19 lockdown highlighted an issue that’s been around for a while, that there’s members of our community who don’t have access to an appropriate device, to be able to fully participate in our increasingly connected world. Some of our rangatahi weren’t able to complete the lockdown online schooling, or they found out simply can’t afford to buy a laptop for the school’s BYOD programme. They want to participate, but they just aren’t able, and they’re being left behind.

00:50 - Recycle a Device facilitates a laptop refurbishment and distribution programme which has three key benefits. It diverts unused laptops away from landfill and gives them a new life. - It upskills high school students in laptop refurbishment, or giving them a chance to engage in social responsibility, through giving back to the community. It also gets fit for purpose devices into the hands of those that need them the most. What makes RAD unique is that we train groups of high school students around the country, on how to refurbish those devices, before they’re being donated directly to families that have been recognised by community leaders and mentors that are working with them allover the country.

01:32 - The way it works is that we ask for donations of laptops, which are then securely wiped. We teach high school students how to refurbish devices and help them run a refurbishment programme at their school. - [Bronwyn] Once the laptop is refreshed, we work with community groups to identify individuals who need a laptop for school, work or personal use. When it comes to the end of it’s life, again, we look to refurbish it, reuse it for parts, or ethically e-waste the device. - [Michael] Participating schools keep a portion of the refurbished devices to give to its own students, while the other portion is distributed into the wider community.

02:11 - These are images from a training session at Christchurch Boys’ High School, and of the Kawerau Future Leaders Programme, who have received some RAD devices. - [Bronwyn] RAD is a collaboration between several charities in the DigiTech space. Digital Future Aotearoa, Spark Foundation, the Pam Ferguson Charitable Trust, Spend My Super, The Southern Initiative and Remojo Tech. - You can really make a huge difference in the life of a young New Zealander by making sure they’ve got access to affordable technology. If you have a dusty old device sitting under your bed or in a wardrobe that’s less than 10 years old, has a charger, visit www.recycleadevice.nz to find out how to join the programme. .