Computer technology for developing areas
Technology for Africa, Asia and Latin America is the donation of technology to developing countries by charitable individuals and organizations in developed countries. However, donating technology without first coordinating its use, maintenance and final disposal can lead to misuse and potential problems.
Opportunity
Developing countries far lag developed nations in internet access and usage. For example, on average only 1 in 130 people in Africa has a computer[1] while in North America and Europe 1 in every 2 people have access to the Internet.[2]
Local networks can provide significant access to software and information even without utilizing an internet connection, for example through use of the Wikipedia CD Selection or the eGranary Digital Library.
Problems encountered
One problem is the ability of the recipients to maintain the donated technology and teach others its use.[3]
Another significant problem can be the selection of software installed on technology - instructors trained in one set of software (for example Ubuntu[4]) can be expected to have difficulty in navigating computers donated with different software (for example Windows XP).[5]
A pressing problem is also the misuse of Electronic waste in dangerous ways. Burning technology to obtain the metals inside will release toxic fumes into the air.[6]
List of known major charities
- multi-national - World Computer Exchange
- multi-national - Digital Partnership
- Ireland - Camara
- Japan - IDCE
- Norway, Denmark and Sweden - FAIR (Fair Allocation of Infotech Resources)
- UK - Computers 4 Africa
- UK - Digital Pipeline
- Computers for African Schools
- Computer Aid International
- Digital Links International
- US - Geeks Without Borders
See also
- Streetlites
- Basel Action Network
- Community informatics
- Community technology center
- Computers and the environment
- Computer recycling
- E-Cycling
- e-Stewards
- Electronic waste
- Electronic waste by country
- Electronic waste in the United States
- Electronic Waste Recycling Act
- Green computing
- Index of recycling articles
- NTAP (nonprofit technology assistance provider)
- Personal computer
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
References
- ^ Computers for Africa Launches New Initiative to Help Schools (4/13/2010)
- ^ Africa takes on the digital divide
- ^ COMPUTERS FOR AFRICA? Uganda Flooded With E-Waste ‘Clones’ (5/1/2010)
- ^ Students Bring Computers and Wikipedia to Africa (9/17/2010)
- ^ Computers to Africa scheme criticised (5/1/2003)
- ^ How Discarded Computers Are Poisoning Africa's Kids (12/7/2009)
External links
- Computer Refurbishment Centre Opens for Business in Kampala (6/12/2008)
- World Computer Exchange home page
- Digital Partnership home page
 | This computing article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |