Computer Re-Use Scheme For NFPs

A Sydney-based national Not for Profit called WorkVentures is running an Affordable Computer Re-Use Scheme for NFP organisations and disadvantaged people in a bid to bridge the digital divide.

The Scheme provides affordable computers ranging from $280 -$299 (+ $15 additional delivery outside Metropolitan areas) to Not for Profits and schools as well as eligible individuals, such as those who hold a current Centrelink Benefits Card or Healthcare Card.

WorkVentures has been operating the scheme for around 12 months and to date has sold around 1,000 computers with an additional 300 presently on order.

WorkVentures consultant, Alice Cahill says they are quality computers supplied through companies like Westpac that donates the hardware and Microsoft that donates licensed software at a price you can afford.

Australian Bureau of Statistics’ research indicates that 75% of Australian households earning under $25,000p.a. (1.45 million households) do not have access to a computer and 90% lack Internet access.

Research also shows that people need to learn how to use computer technology, and that those not in work or studying have limited access to the net.

Cahill says this ‘digital divide’ is increasingly forming a barrier to sustainable employment, as well as contributing to ongoing welfare dependence and social exclusion.

She says people with access to computers and who possess computing skills have the opportunity to ‘cash-in’ on an economy that rewards the ‘techno-educated’ and punishes the ‘techno-illiterate’.

Cahill says it is becoming an increasing disadvantage for school children who cannot do their homework on a computer.

As well many charity organisations need to upgrade their computers and link them with their colleagues.

Jean Mills, the Chairperson of the Liverpool Districts Neighbourhood Centres Association, recently purchased a computer through WorkVentures’ Connect IT computer reuse program.

Mills says as a government funded organisation there is not a lot of room in their finances to purchase technological equipment and with another computer they have the means to cope when, for various reasons, other computers are out of commission.

The computer also helps the Association with bookkeeping issues such as creating programs to deal with daily, monthly and annual financial matters.

Maria, who has three school-aged children living in south-west Sydney, recently purchased a computer from WorkVentures Connect IT. Before she owned a PC, she spent a great deal of time and money travelling to the library to look up information and using the public computers to help her children complete their homework.

She says the major benefit of having a computer at home for her family is that it enables her children to do their school projects.
Alice Cahill says the WorkVentures scheme has a two-way benefit as the computers are refurbished by unemployed youth needing work experience as well as workers involved in drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

WorkVentures Connect IT refurbished computers come with a three-month warranty and is capable of running Microsoft software and other mainstream applications, and browsing the Internet.

The offer includes:

– Pentium II 300Mhz (min)
– 128MB RAM
– 4GB HDD (min)
– 15” monitor
– CD ROM
– 10/100 Network Card
– Software – WIN98SE, AVG Antivirus, Open Office suite
– New keyboard and mouse
– 3 month warranty

Cahill says the national scheme is operating out of a Sydney warehouse at Mascot and WorkVentures is currently looking for franchisee partners to set up in each state as the program expands.

For more information and to place an order call the toll free number 1800 112 205 or order online at www.workventures.com.au/connectit.