Computers to Kenya. Help needed!

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for help with sending computers to a community project in Africa. I visited Kibera a slum on the outskirts of Nairobi back in 2009 and have always kept in touch with my guide over their through facebook and Skype. When I met him I saw the difference he had made to community and saw his hopes for future projects. One of them was a digital divide programme to enable young adults to become computer literate so they could apply for skilled jobs within the City, Nairobi. All he needed was the computers which is ofcourse costly. So over this time I have managed to get 3 old office computers together and industry formatted. The trouble I have is getting them to Joshwa the guide for his new computer room out there! I have looked into shipping this out there and it is going to cost upwards of £500 which unfortunately as I am starting up in business is not possible for me to donate.

So does anyone know of anyone that can help send these machines out there and if anyone knows of any barriers that may stop computers being sent there such as tax,security, the law etc etc. Has anyone done this before and is there anything to be aware of?

Seems a shame me having them in storage when it can be benefitting so many people!

I look forward to any help people can give.

I'd suggest speaking to your local Rotary clubs. They may already have a something in place for sending equipment out there so maybe able to help or they might be interested in getting involved more and running it as a club project. A quick google should help you find your local club(s).

A friend of mine works for the charity Riders for Health. They have sent computers out to Africa for there centre. I know the biggest problem they have is that the computers getting "lost" in transit or parts disappearing in transit. So far they have not found an easy way round it.

Hi Matthew.  A fellow 4Ner, Anne McCarthy, is doing something similar in Africa.  She buys fully refurbished and working laptops for £50 and sends them out to her computer training project in Southern Uganda via volunteers (she lives quite close to Heathrow and passengers are allowed one laptop bag in addition to hand and hold allowances). I and my daughter each took one with us last summer and there are 5 of us travelling out together this summer so will call in to Ann's to collect 5 more laptops.  I imagine there are lots of UK volunteers travelling out regularly to Kibera - could you make use of them as couriers?

Ann's biggest problem has been safeguarding the laptops once they are in situ in Uganda.  The locals can obviously get  a lot of money for them and when people are hungry...

Please let me know if you'd like Ann's details or organisations involved in volunteering in Kenya.

Good luck.

Hi Mathew

I can help you with refurbished laptops/ Pc / LCD screens (P3 & P4) are ideal for exporting to Africa, any quantity can be arranged. I know a person who exports to Africa but I am not sure if he is willing to share the trade secret or not?

Regards

Omer

Thanks for all of your suggestions. It has been really helpful. I have checked the local Rotary club and there is 2 in my local town so I'll have a chat with them. Security is my main concern as well when they are at the community centre. Evonne I would love Annes details as she sounds like she has some good experience with doing this sort of thing. Anymore suggestions are very welcome but thanks for these sofar they have been most helpful!