An army of teens is busy refurbishing donated laptops in the Ashburton District and giving them to families who need them.

Sixteen laptops were refurbished by young people at the Ashburton Public Library last month and Ashburton College students are also meeting weekly to take part in the Recycle A Device programme.

Recycle A Device (RAD) is a national programme and Sarah Jones, Digital Access Coordinator at the Ashburton Public Library, has been trained to deliver it in our district.

The aim of the programme is to teach teens some practical technical skills, and end up with laptops that can be given to people, families and groups in the community that need them.

RAD national tutor Riley Pugh said the teens learned new skills, and some were inspired to think about technology as a possible career.

“The goal is to teach the fundamentals about what is inside a computer and how it all goes together. We get them to open up the computer and see what is inside, fix it and then it can go to a new home.

“Participants range in their experience with technology, from none to knowledgeable, so we try to make sure everyone learns something.”

RAD laptops are mostly donated by corporates, after being used by staff for 3-4 years. The devices have a life of 10 years, so RAD helps recycle them, fit new batteries and clean the interior as needed. Sometimes a new operating system is installed.

Riley said RAD programmes were set up in schools and communities around the country and the refurbished laptops given to those who needed them.

“It’s estimated that 100,000 students don’t have access to a computer and that makes a huge difference to their learning. Typing a four-page essay is certainly a lot easier than handwriting it.”

The refurbishing sessions start with theory then progress to the practical, using diagnostic skills to see what needs fixing and working with screwdrivers and soldering irons to make repairs.

All 16 devices refurbished at the library last month already have new homes.

Ashburton College sessions are being held weekly during lunch breaks throughout Term 2.

Don’t have a laptop and want to access a refurbished device?

Applications for a refurbished device can be made at the library from June. Applicants must be under 25 and needing a laptop for study or work; or over 25 with a current Community Services card and needing a laptop for study or work.

There will be a waitlist created for devices, as they will be worked on during the school year.