Affordable computer reuse scheme for Irish schools

27 Jan 2011

The Environmental Protection Agency and Camara Education have launched the ‘Camara Ireland’ computer reuse project to help address the computer usage shortfall in Irish schools, complementing the Digital Schools initiative.

With EPA support, Camara Education is rolling out this innovative computer reuse solution, which will specifically target meeting the training and computer needs of schools in disadvantaged areas.

Fifth-class students from Scoile Mhuire in Shankill, Dublin, who will receive computers and teacher training in February, attended the Camara Education workshop at the Digital Hub in Dublin City earlier this week.

Camara Education was set up in 2005 and works predominantly in Africa, however the organisation is now responding to a growing domestic need to integrate computers into teaching and learning in the Irish education system by providing affordable teacher training and computer solutions to Irish schools.

Speaking at the Digital Hub on Monday, Eamon Ryan TD, said: “This project shares the same ambition as the Government’s Digital Schools Initiative to provide all our children with the skills and opportunity to become the digital citizens and entrepreneurs of the future. We are revolutionising Ireland’s education, and I am delighted to see Camara Education spearheading that change.”

Camara Education

Raymond Henry and Thomas Keogh, students from Scoil Mhuire in Shankill, pictured at the Camara Education workshop at the Digital Hub earlier this week. Photo by Marc O’Sullivan

According to the UN, reusing a computer is 20 times more beneficial for the environment than recycling.

“The reality is that at least nine out of 10 discarded computers are never reused and are destroyed in recycling plants,” said Cormac Lynch, Camara Education Group CEO.  

Dr Gerry Byrne, head of the National Waste Prevention Programme, added: “Prevention is preferable to waste management and direct re-use is an important element of prevention. The EPA National Waste Prevention Programme welcomes any initiative that gives a longer useful life to any product.”

Click on Camara Ireland for more information or email Steven Daly.

Carmel Doyle was a long-time reporter with Silicon Republic

editorial@siliconrepublic.com