|
|
|
|
 |
edusearch articles |
|
|
|
|
| Wellington City Council donates 400 PCs to their local community |
Article images
- click to enlarge - |
| Author : 2020 Organisation
|
|
| Created : 28 Apr 2002
|
| Last Revision : 28 Apr 2002
|
News: 2002
18th April 2002
Wellington City Council donates 400 PCs to their local community
On the 16th April, the Wellington City Council's Planning & Performance committee agreed unanimously that rather than auctioning off its old PCs, they should be distributed via the Wellington 2020 charitable trust to the people of Wellington.
The PCs will be refurbished and distributed to Wellington City community groups and schools at a very low cost, around $120 with a three-month warranty.
Bill Dashfield, Chair of the Wellington Regional 2020 Communications Trust, says, "This decision shows Council�s continued support for community use of Information Technology, which is essential for a local Knowledge Economy."
Mr Dashfield says, "With recycled PCs, high computer costs are no longer a barrier to entry. Some groups will need training, advice and technical assistance which the 2020 Trust can help with based on its experiences of running successful community technology projects already. these include NetDay, Computers in Homes and Smart Newtown."
Cr Celia Wade-Brown, Green Wellington City Councillor, who actively promoted the Council to put its older PCs to best use, is delighted that about 400 low cost PCs will be going into the Wellington community.
Computers that are too slow for some business applications are more than adequate for emailing and searching the Web. School children can contact children in other countries, explore the online world and record their own work.
Ms Wade-Brown believes that the PCs are the appropriate technology for many groups so they can share their views, as well as access local and international information cheaply and swiftly. 'Social and environmental activists, refugees searching for news of their countries, people writing CVs, learning languages or taking teach-yourself courses online are this city's e-citizens,' comments Ms Wade-Brown. 'They are also enabled to have their say on Council and Central Government consultation more easily.'
People with computer skills also have an advantage in today's job market.
"We can't have an inclusive society if many people can't use a computer and are afraid to learn. Young or old, Kiwis or immigrants, computer skills improve their chances of finding a good job." says Ms Wade-Brown.
"Re-using PCs has other benefits too. There are huge problems of toxic waste if PCs are disposed of in landfills - their components include heavy metals and bromine based fire retardants. In Germany, manufacturers have to take used PCs back and often re-use the casings and just change the motherboards, for example."
After ensuring the PCs have licensed software and no hardware problems, they will be available to community groups and schools. Groups applying will need a plan of how to use them and get necessary training.
"Dropping computer boxes into an unprepared community is worse than useless." says Ms Wade-Brown, also a 2020 trustee." Access is about people's needs so our motto for community computing is People First, Technology Second".
Application forms will be available from www.2020.org.nz from 1st May 2002.
Printed forms will also be available by ringing 04 384 7777. Forms will be available from WCC libraries too.
Wellington 2020 Communications Trust can help groups find technical volunteers, fill in funding applications and share models that have worked locally.
The Wellington 2020 Communications Trust will also assist other large corporates or organisations wishing to donate computers and can help groups find technical volunteers, fill in funding applications and share models that have worked locally.
|
| Comments on this article:
| |
|
|
