Success and Failures:

Sadly not all schools and projects are able to grasp the vision or potential of this program. In such cases support is suspended until required changes are achieved...

However for the majority displaying and achieving the required developments, ongoing support including access to vocational initiatives developed by CfC are made available.

  • Results speak for themselves; our Zimbabwe schools program alone yielded 100% GCSE level exam results in computer studies within 2 years of starting the program.
  • "African schools on line" has benefited 100,000+ thousand children in Zimbabwe alone"

It's not all about Computers. CfC responds to the wider needs in areas of operation; including Health, Water, Farming, AID, Social Enterprise projects

Please Note: Computers for Charities undertakes a vetting process with all new enquiries. Requiring a country site visit, Organisation skills and people analysis before offers of support can be provided.

It requires a plan:

Billions of pounds of finance and equipment have been expended through wide ranging ICT / School initiatives by eminent institutions. Basically, Unaudited, short lived and unsustainable.

Failure is a harsh word, breakdown of such projects is due to varying factors. However, experience suggests the common key for failure is lack of ownership & limited Vision.

From this scenario CfC developed a grass roots model, which strangely has proven to be highly successful.

  • DFID (Department for International Development) Quote "We have witnessed many ICT schools projects in Africa, but "African Schools on Line" is one of the few projects we have seen that works"!!

Success has been achieved by assessing, identifying and addressing potential limitations of local education provision, plus assessment of skills levels in each school. Thereby enabling the development of wider working partnerships i.e. schools sharing resources, opening facilities for community benefit for improved outcomes.

Our program fosters local ownership for state and independent Primary and Secondary education, whilst embracing the wider community to view and grasp the bigger picture and potential to support such initiatives for the wider benefits. i.e. access to training, adult education, social enterprise, etc.

Often whilst admittedly not fully environmental. It remains cost effective to ship computers & resources given limited local availability to far away regions than purchase locally.

  • However supplying computers on their own is not the solution. Hence ASOL

Western World versus Developing World!

Our world contains 195 countries containing a population exceeding 7 billion Men, Women & Children. Within 45% of wealth controlled by 1% of the population.

Include the East, West divide with 24 Western Countries containing 20% of the world's population and able to access clean drinking water, health care, full education, etc. Whilst 171 countries containing the remaining 80% population for who the story remains so different.

Surely children desperate to learn and teachers desperate to teach deserve better!

  • Why Computers? It's a valid starting place. Agree or disagree, I.T is a Global process affecting us all. However for the 80% access to broadband, IPad or play station remains an unattainable dream.
  • Logic says; given this global platform and reliance on IT. Varying and necessary skills are required. Especially for developing countries where a skills divide remains significantly disproportionate to Western countries.

Hence the development of "African Schools on Line" in 1995 & "Streamline" 2013 and more recently vocational curriculum courses developed by CfC for use in UK & Overseas secondary Schools & Colleges. Computer Hardware Refurbishment, etc. Click LINK for Courses

( Click link for "Worldwide Advice &Support")

Who has financed all this?

Throughout there has been no funding. for ASOL. In addtion the people in such areas of need, lack the resources beit financial to make such projects happen. Sponsorship in varying forms being the key

Success in Zimbabwe was due to shared Vision and support of Air Zimbabwe, Harare Anglican Diocese, Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe Ministry of Education. Enabling an extension to a further 100 schools, plus development of a teachers IT network with annual conference, and as outlined a myriad of community benefits aiding local infrastructure development.

The Cost!

Pre-Recession made support from British Airways, Air Zimbabwe, Kenyan Airways & Data Developments, British Council, British High Commission possible. Including sponsored shipping, freight & flights.

Donors & Skills Help are essential to aid the costs & access for skills to enable this support to continue

  • Shipping costs of a 20' container, enable supply & installation of equipment and resources for 20 projects / Schools.
  • £50 provides a computer and backup for one year and more. Our containers fully utilise space and carry additional materials including; medical supplies, clothing, etc. Benefitting the wider community. That works out at 96p a week - Much less than the cost of a cup of coffee or newspaper
  • £1000 provides a complete networked computer facility for a school including training input and more, quite remarkable.......

We don't want to stop these programs and Its not just Africa but other continents also need the input....

Fund raising is one of many ways to help; including the tax benefits by gift aiding or corporate gift aid which do make a difference.

Alternatively give your skills & time. i.e.: Vincent and Hilary from Southern Ireland self-funded 6 months of their time and skills to undertake the installation of equipment to 20 new schools plus provide training and audit in Western Kenya

For more information: Please call T:(+44) 01323 848588 or email Simon via this Link

CfC receives 100's of requests daily worldwide. Requesting support from "African Schools on Line", Help us to provide a positive response. Let's make it Happen!