Camara Computer Reuse
Computers in the Community
Donating your unwanted computer equipment to a charity or community group is a great way to help others. For some groups it is important that the equipment is in good working order; however other groups have technicians who can repair them.
One such group is the charity Camara, who are based in Townsend Enterprise Park, Belfast. The Camara project promotes education in Africa but it is also aims to create a culture of reusing and recycling.
Each year businesses, schools and households throw out thousands of computers that still have many years of life in them. Camara offers a very positive alternative to land-fill. They depend on public and private companies and individual donors to donate used computers. The charity aims to empower thousands of African children to improve their life chances and the prosperity of their local communities through education.
Camara takes computers and laptops and re-use those that meet their minimum specification. They also accept CRT monitors 15 or 17 inch flat screen monitors, mice and power leads (the charity no longer accepts printers or scanners). Equipment that does not meet the required specification is by recycled by a certified WEEE recycler in Northern Ireland. Camara encourages those dropping off to make a donation of £20.00 to help with the costs involved in refurbishment.
Camara recently formed a partnership with Food for Thought Africa, at the African Art Gallery on 216 Lisburn Road (opposite Tescos) - computers can be dropped off there Tuesday to Saturday.
For further information please contact Ann Fitzpatrick, Project Manager, Camara Belfast, Unit 23 & 24, Townsend Enterprise Park, Townsend Street, Belfast BT13 2ES, either by telephone 028 9033 2470, email Ann Fitzpatrick or visiting www.camara.ie. Opening hours: 09:00 - 17.30 Monday to Thursday; close at 16.00 Friday.
