"Computers for Africa is such a wonderful organization. I know that when I perform service for the club, I am truly helping those less fortunate than myself. My eyes have been opened and I am eternally grateful that I can participate in bettering the lives of young Africans."—Chelsea
Quality Hardware
CFA ships quality, ready-to-set-up computer labs. The PCs are cleaned, tested, later-model (400MHz and above) computers that come with a loaded operating system, loaded office applications, and MS Windows 2000 Pro software license. They are configured for networking that enables files to be shared and many computers to use a single printer. Labs are shipped with manuals, spare parts, and back-up CDROMs for restoring hard drives, as well as a small vacuum cleaner for maintenance.
All the computers in a lab are the same model to simplify maintenance and repair and provide a built-in supply of replacement parts as the computers break down. CFA computers shipped to communities in Masaka, Uganda in 2002 are still functioning.
It costs about $250 to create a 10-computer lab. Much of the hardware is donated or purchased at low cost from recyclers. Volunteer students refurbish the computers and raise money for the refurbishing expenses.
Hardware that is affordable
Beneficiaries pay $75 per computer. This fee covers shipping the hardware to a major East African city, clearing customs, and about one third the cost of comprehensive, on-site, ICT program services they will receive.
"When I started helping out with Computers for Africa about a year and half ago, I had no idea what an impact those refurbished computers had on the schools in Africa where we sent them. Now I’ve been to some of the schools. I’ve seen how the recipients, especially the students, are so grateful that some people in the United States care about them. The smiles on their faces, knowing they had many new job opportunities because of Computers for Africa, these things helped make my involvement feel worthwhile."
—Jim, a student volunteer