Camara collects redundant computers from Irish organisations and individuals. These computers are refurbished by Camara before being shipped out to Africa where they are set up in ‘Learning Centres’ in schools and colleges. Any equipment that can not be reused in this fashion is then recycled in Ireland according to the EU WEEE Directive.
Since 2005, Camara has processed approximately 17,500 redundant Irish computers, some 14,500 of which have been reused as educational tools with the remaining 3,000 being recycled. Re-used computers are shipped, in bulk by container to our technology Hubs in Africa where further processing takes place. Each container typically holds approximately 500 machines.
Education Delivery
Our technology Hubs in Africa carry out additional quality control tests on the machines before loading a full package of educational software onto them. These machines are then installed in Learning Centres in African schools to provide educational tools to some of the poorest people in the world. This deployment of hardware however is only one aspect of Camara’s ‘Education Delivery’ business.
In order to support these education tools and promote our Technology-enhanced Learning (TeL) program, Camara’s African Hubs also provide other key services:
1. Maintenance Support. Each school signs a maintenance contract with Camara which ensures that the Learning Centres are kept operational should any technical issues arise. 2. Teacher Training. In the majority of schools where Camara has installed computers, African teachers have little or no knowledge of how to use them. Therefore as part of our sales contract, Camara organises a variety of training programs, aimed at teachers, which allows them to effectively use the computers as learning tools. This training consists of:
Basic computer literacy skills.
The Pedagogy of ICT. Essentially how to use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to teach other subjects such as science and maths.
Learning Support. For selected teachers this would include: basic maintenance; administration of the Learning Centre; and ‘Train the Trainer’ courses.
3. African Recycling. At the end of a computer’s life, schools are encouraged to return the machine to the Hub where it will be recycled according to strict Camara guidelines.
How We Do It
Electronic Waste Reuse
Camara collects redundant computers from Irish organisations and individuals. These computers are refurbished by Camara before being shipped out to Africa where they are set up in ‘Learning Centres’ in schools and colleges. Any equipment that can not be reused in this fashion is then recycled in Ireland according to the EU WEEE Directive.
Since 2005, Camara has processed approximately 17,500 redundant Irish computers, some 14,500 of which have been reused as educational tools with the remaining 3,000 being recycled. Re-used computers are shipped, in bulk by container to our technology Hubs in Africa where further processing takes place. Each container typically holds approximately 500 machines.
Education Delivery
Our technology Hubs in Africa carry out additional quality control tests on the machines before loading a full package of educational software onto them. These machines are then installed in Learning Centres in African schools to provide educational tools to some of the poorest people in the world. This deployment of hardware however is only one aspect of Camara’s ‘Education Delivery’ business.
In order to support these education tools and promote our Technology-enhanced Learning (TeL) program, Camara’s African Hubs also provide other key services:
1. Maintenance Support. Each school signs a maintenance contract with Camara which ensures that the Learning Centres are kept operational should any technical issues arise.
2. Teacher Training. In the majority of schools where Camara has installed computers, African teachers have little or no knowledge of how to use them. Therefore as part of our sales contract, Camara organises a variety of training programs, aimed at teachers, which allows them to effectively use the computers as learning tools. This training consists of:
3. African Recycling. At the end of a computer’s life, schools are encouraged to return the machine to the Hub where it will be recycled according to strict Camara guidelines.