Bridging the digital divide with a RAD idea

RAD (Recycle A Device) is a nationwide not-for-profit initiative to recycle and refurbish old laptops and tablets, which are then given to people who need them. Established during the first COVID lockdown in 2020, RAD's mission is to leave no person in Aotearoa behind as the world transforms to a post-pandemic digital future.

During the first COVID lockdown, people without a device connected to the Internet couldn't attend school or work from home, do their banking, apply for jobs, or perform many more daily tasks. RAD was established to bridge this digital divide by giving refurbished laptops to those in need while providing high school students with the skills to diagnose and repair these devices.

Rebecca Harris, donor liaison, Recycle A Device, said: "People and businesses donate old and out-of-date laptops to RAD. We teach high school students how to diagnose and repair these devices, which are then given to those in the community who need them for employment, education, connecting with services and general participation in society."

"For businesses we offer them a low cost, low effort and data secure option for reducing their e-waste in a way that supports their CSR objectives as well as helping the community."

100,000 Devices to be refurbished and re-used

Since March 2021, RAD had received, refurbished and distributed 459 laptops. Their goal was to place 5,000 devices into the hands of those who need them the following year, and ultimately meet the current need for devices in New Zealand, estimated at around 100,000.

Entelar securely wiped laptops to an enterprise grade, removing all personal and sensitive information before devices went to high schools for refurbishment.

"If we can't refurbish a device, we recommend responsible recovery and recycling options for people that are free to access — like the TechCollect NZ pilot (for ICT equipment) and RE:mobile programme (for mobile phones and accessories)."

Providing technical skills and opportunities

At the time of writing, 8 schools and 120 students were part of the programme, which RAD planned to expand to 15 by March 2022. Schools received a number of refurbished devices for their own students as part of the programme.

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