Ifeanyi Egebike - Recycled Computers

SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT PROPOSAL
Computer recycling

In America, almost every household has a computer or have access to one, some people have obsolete one that will be going to the dumpster, and a lot of used computers are being wasted by businesses. Recycle... Recycle... Recycle.
In some countries in Africa, some kids only hear or see computers on the tv or newspapers, some are very eager to touch it while some would like know if somebody is inside the computer executing all the commands. Here is my plan and the reason why my proposal should be considered.

Collect used and obsolete computers from businesses, library, public schools, homes, etc. and ship them to some public schools in Africa, many of the schools lack computer resources to train their students. Yes we can help.

Sponsor:
Name: United States environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Address: Region 4
Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street, SW
Atlanta Ga. 30303
Phone: 404-562-8174
Fax: 404-562-8174
Web: www.epa.ga/region4

People and businesses will be encouraged to donate their used computers for several reasons listed below.
Tax write-off
Helping the environment
Good public relations
Enhancing someone’s quality of life

The plan:
During late September, obtain business addresses and contact persons. We can do this by exploiting yellow book for companies, and contacting Georgia state chamber of commerce, etc.

A formal letter is written and sent to all businesses in late September, this letter will explain the project and the uses for the computer, Yellow team members will be picking up these computers or we can pay for postage. Letter will explain how they will benefits from it.

We will begin to see the arrival of computers in mid October. These computers are put in storage and are prepared for shipping, preparation will include

· Making sure the computers function properly
· Cleaning
· Repairs
· Reconfiguration

As computers arrive, Thank-You letters are sent to the donors.

The recipients (Public schools in Africa) are contacted to determine demand for computer and prioritize their placement

In late September, computers are shipped

Some businesses might not have old computers to donate during this time. As such a relationship is created, whenever they have computers to donate, they can ship them to us and the process revolves.

Issues to consider:
Peripherals (e.g, Printers, mice. Modems, Keyboard,) may be needed alongside the computers. The businesses could also be asked to donate these.

2. Computers will come with different software and configurations e.g., Hard drive capacity, Memory, Processor speed, therefore they will be randomly shipped to the recipients

Shipping will be expensive, while storage and letters will cost money, but the real expense of this project is shipping. Here are possible ways to meet these expenses
Asking business to pay
Asking UPS, DHL, USPS, and EMS to give a discount or to donate the full cost
Finding private donors

Yellow Team Members:
During the initial phase of the project, the team members will develop the database of business addresses and send letters. Once computers have arrived, they will act as coordinators, managing and organizing the volunteers who will prepare and package the computers.

Skills learned:
Logistics
Computer skills
Communication
Leadership
I strongly encourage you to consider this project for the benefits are more of a lifetime gratification to us, the donors and the recipients.