Computers For All

Digital Inclusion (DI), Luxembourg, addresses the needs of refugees and job seekers for IT access as well as the wasteful discarding of still-useful computers and smartphones. Refugees often used computers or smartphones in their home countries but may have left devices behind or lack the means to buy new ones, while online applications are required for many public and private services in Luxembourg, including job-seeking; meanwhile, a large share of Luxembourg's population regularly replaces still-usable devices.

Grounded in circular-economy principles, the project collects computers and smartphones donated by individuals and companies; a team of volunteers, made up of refugees and other job seekers, takes part in workshops learning IT skills and refurbishing the devices (e.g., installing a new operating system). In collaboration with Caritas, DI also collects, repairs and distributes smartphones. Refurbished devices are distributed to refugees and residents with low income, and DI additionally offers computer training for refugees and other job seekers.

The project both improves digital access for disadvantaged residents and extends the life of devices that would otherwise be discarded, while volunteering gives refugees and job seekers new IT skills useful for integration and employment.