Computers for Schools

The Computers for Schools Chair Boyd Summers and Program Administrator Vanessa George.

Co-founded in 1993 by Industry Canada and the TelecomPioneers, Computers for Schools (CFS) is a national, volunteer-based initiative that collects, repairs, and delivers surplus computers – donated by governments, organizations, and individuals – to schools, public libraries, and not-for-profit learning organizations across Canada. In Newfoundland and Labrador the program is delivered by Provincial Information Equipment Recycling and Refurbishing Enterprises (PIERRE), a not-for-profit organization composed of representatives from the Department of Education, Industry Canada, the Aliant Pioneers, the Provincial Treasury Board, the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board, NLTA, and NLSBA, in addition to corporate sector representatives from Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales Law Office and Aliant.

The Computers for Schools depot in Corner Brook

The Computers for Schools program has become one of the most important and efficient programs in the country thanks to the assistance of its many partners and volunteers. By providing improved access to technology, CFS is helping school-aged students develop the skills they need to thrive in a knowledge-based economy. Thus, CFS contributes to the Federal Government’s goal of narrowing “the digital divide.”

In 11 years of operation, the CFS program has delivered over 500,000 computers across Canada. By refurbishing these older computers and diverting, literally, tons of equipment from landfills, Computers for Schools participates in responsible electronic waste management.

To conduct daily operational activities, CFS employs technical graduates, students, professionals, and volunteers, offering many valuable skills development opportunities. Each year, CFS provides over 8000 hours of work experience in Newfoundland and Labrador alone.

The CFS program benefits many people: school children are provided with better learning opportunities, young people are given quality work experience, and citizens who are concerned with e-waste in landfills know that Computers for Schools will responsibly reuse or recycle their computers.

For more information about Computers for Schools Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit http://www.computersforschoolsnl.ca.