Computers for Syrian families in Dunedin

Tuesday 13 September, 2016

Computers for Syrian families in Dunedin

Otago Polytechnic’s College of Enterprise and Development have refurbished and gifted 23 computers to the Red Cross, for Syrian families who have settled in Dunedin.

Hamish Smith, IT Certs Programme Coordinator at Otago Polytechnic, came up with the idea when he realised the polytechnic had a few computers sitting in storage.

“When we heard about the Syrian families coming to Dunedin, we wanted to find a way to help them settle in to life in their new home,” Hamish says. “The idea of giving computers that had been used in our classrooms but were now just sitting in storage seemed like a win-win: a great resource for the families and a way of sustainably recycling technology we no longer require.”

The computers have been greatly appreciated.

“The former refugee families are very grateful for the computers generously donated by Otago Polytechnic,” says Stephanie Smith, a volunteer co-ordinator at Red Cross.

“A lot of the families have children in school, so the computers are hugely beneficial to them.”

Stephanie also explains how having access to computers will help these families work toward their goals in New Zealand, while maintaining links with their roots. “There are several people who wish to further their education, and having access to a computer will help them achieve that,” she says. “Also, having a computer has allowed a number of families to have regular contact with family members either still in Syria, or elsewhere in the world.”

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