One side of the story is that Arrow’s Sustainable Technology Solutions business refurbishes laptops and other devices from commercial customers, erasing data from the machines, replacing worn and outdated parts in the process and responsibly recycling the rest. The other side of the story is filled in by Close the Gap, by distributing the renewed devices to schools, clinics and enterprise incubators in developing nations.

Together, the organisations have managed to give access to the donated equipment to more than 1.6 million people on four continents. With these refurbished and donated materials, they are able to receive computer training, online learning and microenterprise management.

"Arrow has served as an essential partner in helping us bridge the digital divide in developing countries and fulfill our mission of improving educational and economic prospects by increasing access to information and communication technology," said Close the Gap’s operations director Inge Knapen.

Interested in donating your used computers and mobile phones? Pick-up everywhere in the world (min 30 assets). Contact Didier Appels at didier.appels@close-the-gap.org or +32 472 723393.

Click here to read the (English) press release issued by Arrow Electronics.