We have a small project going in Manitoba called "Computer Lending
Libraries." We accept donations of computers from industry and from
Computers for Schools. We can access about 1000 computers per year. Each
computer requires about 2 hours of technical labour which is provided by
volunteers for the most part. We are installing a wireless mesh network in
two parts of Winnipeg, where the highest concentration of our computers have
found homes. These are economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods where even
a $500 computer is not an option. Participants must complete some training
(free) and then lease a computer (free) and if they are in the two zones can
also get wireless internet (free). Some of our participants are not in the
wireless zones and will have to find a way to get access or simply use the
computers without access (not ideal, but we try to encourage job skills
development).
We are hoping to add some social engagement to the mix - and are thinking
of styling that after the computer user groups of old. We have called upon
the members of a computer user group to help set up the groups and act as
mentors to the new users.
When all is done and the computers need to be recycled, we are relying on a
sister program, "Responsible Electronics Recycling," to take care of the end
of life issue. We are also hoping to publish a paper on the results. I am
just beginning to consider what questions we should answer in the study.
Any thoughts?
Karen.
Karen Keppler MBA, Managing Partner
Cathedral Group, 366 River Road
St. Andrews, Manitoba, Canada R1A3C9
Phone: (204) 953-1236
Fax: (204) 589-3800
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Web: www.cathedral.mb.ca
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Rosen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "The Digital Divide Network discussion group"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, July 02, 2006 6:39 PM
Subject: [DDN] Computer lease-purchase arrangements
Colleagues,
As the price of a new desktop has dropped, as wireless becomes free or
much less expensive in some cities and states (New Orleans, San
Francisco, Rhode Island, et. al.) and as more low-income families want
the web at home, I wonder if a computer lease/purchase arrangement would
help some low-income families to get access. If so, do you have any
recommendations?
David Rosen
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
David Rosen
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_______________________________________________
DIGITALDIVIDE mailing list
DIGITALDIVIDE@mailman.edc.org
http://mailman.edc.org/mailman/listinfo/digitaldivide
To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the message.
_______________________________________________
DIGITALDIVIDE mailing list
DIGITALDIVIDE@mailman.edc.org
http://mailman.edc.org/mailman/listinfo/digitaldivide
To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word UNSUBSCRIBE
in the body of the message.
