Unfortunately, thousands of B.C. households with school-age children do not have consistent access to computers or the Internet. And as the pandemic grinds on, families and schools grapple with the reality that as remote learning resumes in some communities, the great need for tech tools deepens.
However, thanks to BC Technology for Learning Society (BC Tech), their efforts to facilitate learning are helping to broaden digital inclusion by distributing refurbished technology equipment throughout British Columbia: 6,201 computers in the past year and 182,000 computers since they were established in 1993.
With a vision to see all British Columbians with access to technology, BC Tech transforms donated technology equipment into new opportunities for others.
Computers, laptops, monitors, printers, and other electronic items donated by government, businesses, and individuals to BC Tech are given a second life while protecting the environment from e-waste. These assets get distributed across the province to schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income individuals.
The digital divide persists across B.C. and disproportionately impacts low-income families and their geographic location, where connectivity issues occur for homes lacking broadband access.
“Since 2020, the impact of our work has never been so strongly felt,” says Mary-Em Waddington, BC Tech's executive director. “When schools and libraries were closed, many families struggled with a lack of tech, or enough tech, and Internet connectivity. The cost of a computer and the Internet can be a huge inhibitor to many families and we are well partnered to help families access those resources, but without the tech donations coming in, we wouldn’t have anything to provide back out.”
Funded by the Government of Canada, BC Tech is a registered charity, non-profit organization, who operates the Computer for Schools Plus (CFS+) program—a national partnership-based program—with 14 other organizations across Canada.
Working to help schools and school boards with their technology needs, BC Tech provides free and low-cost refurbished equipment and upgraded systems. Computers are loaded with Windows 10 and Office, unless Linux is requested, and are distributed with all the required components.
"We provide youth valuable paid work experience through our CFS intern program," says Waddington. "We hire about 20 youths per year for a nine-month internship. Our technicians make sure all of the quality controls, the new drivers and everything needed is in place, and so when the school or family receives the computer, it's completely plug and play and ready for use."
The internship is a terrific springboard for youth who aspire to work in the technology field. Interns are exposed to various computer brands and models, which allows them to hone their hardware expertise on different equipment while developing team-building, communication and mentorship skills.
BC Tech also offers high school work experience placements for approximately 50 students annually, as part of their graduation requirements.
"A lot of peer learning happens here," says Waddington. "We emphasize the development of soft-skill building and make sure everyone is sharing their information and working collaboratively with each other, which is very important. We hear a lot from employers that that's what they are really looking for."
An intern's work experience covers everything from inventory to data security management. Technicians perform thorough procedures to ensure any, and all data is fully wiped and unrecoverable from every hard drive.
"We have a nearly 30-year reputation for not having leaked anyone's data," reveals Waddington. "We produce a hard drive health report and certificate that verifies the drive either passed or failed the wipe. If it failed, we crush that hard drive and send it for recycling."
BC Tech is a Microsoft authorized refurbisher, and every refurbished PC is installed with genuine Microsoft Windows. Anything that cannot be refurbished is responsibly recycled in B.C.
"We make the process easy and secure, plus you'll receive a tax receipt for your donation," says Waddington. "We want to make it a win-win-win experience for the donor—especially our corporate donors, to whom we offer free pick-up service. You'll feel good knowing your donation went to support a child, a family, a school or a non-profit in need."
For more information, visit reusetechbc.ca or call 604.294.6886.
