In an era where electronic waste is a pressing concern, Tzu Chi volunteers from Taiwan are actively repurposing used technology to give it a new lease on life. Brother Jo Chen, a dedicated Tzu Chi volunteer in Taiwan initiated to collect unused computers from business companies in Hsinchu City that would otherwise be disposed of. Rather than simply discarding them, he and several Tzu Chi volunteers worked together to repair and optimized these computers and shipped them to Tzu Chi in Bohol, Philippines. From there, 43 computers and 2 laptops were distributed to a school for the blind and to 15 public elementary schools in Bohol, ensuring the computers continue to serve a valuable purpose.
The donated computers offer students access to modern technology, enabling them to develop essential digital literacy skills. For the visually impaired students at the Schola Societas Divinae, a desktop computer and 2 laptop units represent an opportunity to pursue education and realize their dreams. These computers were configured with assistive software and hardware wherein the system speaks out the characters as they type and reads out the texts especially useful for emails, e-books and online research.
“I aspire to become a computer (professional) someday, and the gadgets provided by Tzu Chi will help me learn more about how to use them properly, especially their functions,” said Gerald Bullecer, a Grade 5 student at Schola Societas Divinae. “I want to have a college degree to inspire others that no matter what disabilities you have, you can do it as long as you persevere.”
Young students in public elementary schools can now engage in discovering and connecting to the digital world, especially when most of the schoolwork is now being done online, and schools without internet access face a huge disadvantage. The donated computers help the students by giving them the means to complete activities and assessments in their classroom.
“Thank you to Tzu Chi for providing us with computers. It’s a huge help to us because it can assist us a lot in our projects,” Shery Jewel M. Paulines, a Grade 5 student in Tigbao Elementary School.
“This is a big help for the children so they would be knowledgeable about using computers, especially now that we are globally competitive,” Sheila Mae Boado, Teacher In-Charge in Bagumbayan Elementary School.
Repairing and refurbishing used computers instead of discarding them, helps the environment as it requires significantly less energy to produce rather than manufacturing new ones which emits greenhouse gases resulting to climate change.
The efforts of the Tzu Chi Volunteers in Taiwan have demonstrated how their dedication can open doors to education and technology, ultimately reaching out to enrich the lives of several student beneficiaries in Bohol. With these computers, deprived students can now break through the digital divide. Most of all, it is worth noting that one person’s trash can save lives, touch hearts and indeed become another person’s treasure.
