We intend to include computer equipment in the container shipments each year to build up the number in public agencies, schools and organisations.

Packing computers

In 2005, Norwich City Council and its computer outsource company, Steria, shipped 100 PCs and 30 printers to Dedza. This was redundant equipment made available by an upgrade of desktop facilities at the City Council. Volunteers from the Council staff cleaned and packed the equipment. When the shipment had arrived, two technical staff went out to Dedza for two weeks to set up the equipment and carry out some user training.

Setting up computers

In 2006, a total of about 150 computers were donated by a number of organisations. They include Norwich City Council and Steria again, Norfolk Children's Services, Norfolk Property Services, Gresham's School, and the Sue Ryder charity. Recycle-IT in Thetford installed hard drives in some of the PCs. A small number of printers were made available by Norwich City Council and Steria. In Dedza, the installation was carried out by a local team led by the Director of Works.

For the 2007 shipment Norwich City Council and Steria are providing 150 PCs and a considerable number of printers that have become surplus through a refurbishment. We expect to send the contained in September 2007.

The arrival os such a large number of PCs in Dedza has created considerable national interest in Malawi. In 2005 they were formally accepted by the Malawian Minister for Local Government and in 2006 by a local MP and government minister.

The equipment has been distributed to secondary schools, departments of the District Assembly, other public agencies and community groups in Dedza. Assistance has also been given to some othe rDistricts to prevent accusations of preferential treatment for Dedza.

Computer Room Katsekaminga School

We do have all the PCs that we can deal with at present. We would like to have more printers, especially laser printers and spare cartridges, and some laptops. If your organisation would like to donate equipement, please get in contact with us through the contacts given on this website.