Guild computers to Tanzania

by David Settelmaier

May 16, 2006

Murdoch University Guild is calling for further donations of old computers after it recently sent a container of recycled computers to Africa.

With organisers from the Zanzibar Film Festival sponsoring the container, the Guild sent 80 computers to Tanzania and wants to do the same for Aceh and Uganda, while continuing to provide the service to local students in need.

Since December 2004 the Guild’s Eightball Programme has been recycling old computers and providing them to students in need.

The free service is the brainchild of Guild President Gerry Georgatos, who first ran it privately and then integrated it into the Guild.

Mr Georgatos started the programme after noticing that hundreds of students did not have computers. He believes it is simply about helping everyone you can.

“[It’s] just about equity. If you want an equal footing, this stuff’s imperative,” says Mr Georgatos.

With the help of Richard Triplett and David Lee, the programme has since grown from strength to strength, receiving donations from around the country, including schools, government departments and private organisations.

So far this year, the programme has recycled 600 computers, exceeding last year’s number of 540.