Second ByteSecond Byte was established in January 2000 by North Lindsey College and North Lincolnshire Council as a non-profit organisation to address the increasing problem of what to do with computer equipment that is no longer required. The project has had a grant of £18,000 from Enventure, with landfill tax credit funding from local steel company, Corus, over the last three years. Second Byte IT uses redundant computers and printers to train local community members in how to use them, upgrade them and maintain them. The project has not only been successful in tackling the increasing problem of ICFT equipment being disposed of inefficiently into landfills, but has also provided community education and training, thus creating jobs. Thanks to grant funding from organisations such as Enventure, since January 2000, Second Byte IT Ltd has been able to refurbish over 400 PC’s. These PC’s have been made available at low costs to schools, charities, voluntary groups, learners, low income families and community groups, and have aided in starting-up businesses in Northern Lincolnshire. Second Byte IT is also offering other services such as Portable Appliance Testing, PC systems servicing and leasing, web site advice and design for schools, charities, voluntary community groups and businesses at low cost. Approximately 100 mature adult learners (mainly unemployed) have achieved a computer maintenance qualification and approximately 30 tonnes of ICT equipment has been delivered from landfills in Northern Lincolnshire since the scheme began. Suzanne Hudson, Evolve EB Community Grants Manager said “this is one of those projects that not only benefits local communities, but also the entire population as it tackles the problem of recycling electrical equipment which would otherwise be filling our landfills and polluting our atmosphere”. For further information please visit www.secondbyteit.com |
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