Ashburton College and the Ashburton Public Library have teamed up with a charity that fixes and recycles laptops for people and families in the community who need them.

Recycle a Device (RAD) is a charity that teaches young people tech engineering skills to refurbish donated laptops, and a RAD programme will run at the college from Term 2 under the supervision of a specially-trained Ashburton library tutor.

Principal Ross Preece said the programme would be held at lunchtimes and students would gain some valuable and in-demand tech skills, then the laptops would be given to those who needed them.

“Students from any year group now have the chance to learn how to fix laptop hardware, which is an essential skill in the current work market. It also prevents e-waste and promotes recycling.”

The Ashburton library is also running a one-day “Learn how to fix a laptop and keep a laptop” refurbishment day for Pasifika and newcomer youth.

Library manager Jill Watson said the April workshop was fully booked with 30 people and had a waitlist.

“RAD is a great venture which helps address the digital divide. Attendees will be taught how to fix a donated laptop and will take it home with them to keep at the end of the workshop.

“The library is also looking forward to delivering the Ashburton College RAD programme at the school from Term 2. We really hope other senior and intermediate schools in the region can also take up this opportunity.”

Any Ashburton College students who are interested in being part of the RAD club can sign up now at the school office or via https://www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/digital.

The library will distribute a number of these recycled devices to local families that need them commencing in July 2023.

Schools and families can get in touch with the library if they know of a person who doesn’t have a laptop and needs one to facilitate learning opportunities.