23 November 2009

West Mids technology sector supporting IT Schools for Africa

Charity uses region’s largest technology conference to raise its profile within local business and schools

The ICT Cluster, an Advantage West Midlands funded initiative which supports regional technology companies, has announced its support for I.T. Schools Africa (ITSA).  ITSA was chosen by the ICT Cluster as this year’s charity partner for the annual ICT Conference in November.  ITSA, which refurbishes computers for use in African schools, hopes to build awareness of its work amongst the West Midlands community.

ITSA is looking for bulk donations of old computers and accessories from the education and business sector and is seeking to establish relationships with IT suppliers to schools.  The charity needs over 600 computers per month to satisfy its commitments in Africa.

Mike Musson, ICT Cluster Manager comments: “We’re delighted to be able to support a commendable organisation like ITSA.  Equipment, which is considered outdated in the UK, still has a considerable lifespan of 5-6 years in Africa providing powerful teaching aids and helping to develop an IT-trained workforce.  We are asking all regional companies and schools to contact the charity to help Africa’s children gain from our old computer equipment.”

ITSA was established in 2004 to accelerate education in Africa by addressing the problem of text book shortages in schools. Donating refurbished computers to schools allows teachers to download curriculum material free of charge, providing children with greater access to learning. It also provides students with valuable IT skills, essential to securing a good job, and widens their understanding of the world by enabling cross-cultural communication.

Working with its sister charity Computers for African Schools, ITSA has sent over 20,000 computers to Africa, equipped over 1,000 schools with IT labs and trained over 650 teachers.  The charity estimates it has provided over one million African children with access to IT training.
The charity supports the local community in the UK– working with prisons, the unemployed and people with learning difficulties - to refurbish computers, clean them of data and prepare them for shipping.

“The ICT Conference provided excellent exposure to a wide range of local educational establishments and businesses that may be able to support our cause and boost our donations of computers,” comments Tim Barnes, Programme Director, ITSA.

The 6th annual ICT Conference, the region’s largest technology event, was held at the National Motorcycle Museum on 10th November 2009.  It seeks to gather together ICT companies and organisations to inspire innovation, gain industry expertise and provide networking opportunities.

ITSA is seeking: working desktop computers Pentium III or above; 15" or 17" monitors, less than 10 years old; laptops - Pentium IV or above accompanied by a power adaptor; keyboards, mice and power leads; and spare hard-drives, CD drives and floppy drives.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmictcluster/4094636046/

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About ICT Cluster

The ICT Cluster is one of thirteen clusters established by Advantage West Midlands as part of its economic development strategy. These clusters have been chosen on the basis of their current strength in the region and their potential to create jobs and economic growth.

Advantage West Midlands is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England whose role is to provide leadership and action to create more, better jobs and in improve the standard of living for all in the West Midlands.

The ICT Cluster will be hosting the Annual West Midlands ICT Conference and ICT Excellence Awards on 10 November 2009.  

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