Projects
Close the Gap wants to provide a comprehensive and sustainable approach from the pick-up of the equipment at the donor company to the refurbishment, project selection, local installation of the computers and on-site training. Through its partner WorldLoop, Close the Gap also “closes the loop” by providing local recycling facilities once the IT equipment does reach the end of its life. Please find below a description of our operational model.
1. Collection at donor company
Close the Gap collects high-quality used IT equipment from companies and organisations. The equipment is collected in a professional way and at no cost to the donor. Read more
2. Refurbishment of ICT equipment
Once the equipment is collected, Close the Gap works with its refurbishment partner Flection to start the refurbishing process. Flection arranges for the hard disks to be cleaned and the hardware to be checked and configured. Read more
3. Project selection
Close the Gap evaluates and selects projects that focus on both the individual and his or her community. The projects selected cover various fields, such as education, health, environment, microfinance, research, socio-cultural and good governance. Close the Gap supports projects in developing and emerging countries all around the world. Read more
4. Transport
The computers are shipped to the projects by air or sea transport.
5. Installation, maintenance and training
Close the Gap works through local service partners in 11 countries. The service partners work as intermediaries between Close the Gap and the beneficiary organisations. They know and understand the local problems and challenges, have local project management expertise and ensure the sustainability of the projects. They are responsible for the preparation of the local infrastructure, distribution and transport of computers to the beneficiaries, installation and maintenance of ICT equipment, and training project managers, teachers and users.
6. Software and expertise
Close the Gap works with supporting partners that are generally North-based organisations which provide training, educational software or expertise for Close the Gap’s beneficiary organisations.
7. Follow-up and evaluation
Close the Gap evaluates the quality of its products and services in order to improve future collaborations by means of a yearly survey of its project partners.
8. Pick-up and recycling of end-of-life equipment
Whether reconditioned or not, ICT equipment can pose a serious environmental threat when it reaches its end-of-life. That’s why Close the Gap, through its partner WorldLoop, makes sure that the computers are disposed of in an environmentally responsible way when they are no longer useful.