History
Children are often underrated, there simplicity and naivety often has depth and vision that goes way over the heads of grownups!
My daughter Clare has knowingly or unknowingly provided many insights over the years, including the formalisation of” Computers for Charities” which began as an annoying thought that would not go away.
The thought remains vivid stemming from life the altering experiences of 1992, assisting with humanitarian aid distribution in war torn Bosnia, provoking a wakeup call and the stark awareness of the preciousness of life hanging by such a delicate thread.
It was 3am when it happened, a simple concept to provide a solution to the questionable practice of consigning the millions of Computers into landfill each year
Such a waste given the potential for good to be gained through reuse, combined with the global demand for IT access though as for many developing countries as well as charities lacking the finances and skills to get started.
This idea of enabling an IT kick start progressed as a hobby from 1994, operating from the cramped loft of our bungalow, and just kept growing into sheds, garages, barns and today as an established pioneering International organisation offering advice and support to governments, Charities, Churches and NGO'S worldwide.
Initially given limitations of size and experience CfC worked primarily with UK Charities and Voluntary. However intervening years have seen considerable change and development in response to requested need as opposed to imposing perceived need.
“African Schools on Line” represents one such example, a comprehensive schools package. The program described by The Department for International Development (DFID) "as a hands on, grass level approach organisation developing projects that have relevance and are one of the few that actually works”
My professional background stems from Psychiatry not I.T. Whereas some may view CfC as a computer nirvana, my personal ethos and Vision is fully focused on the needs of People and empowerment, computers being rated solely as tools. Hence the essence of aiding development, be it education, skills or standing side by side is a heartfelt process not a binary process!
In 1994 it was impossible to foresee the charities development, what you see on this website represents a part of a growing Vision touching continents and altering lives. It does not happen overnight; requiring long hours, commitment, personal sacrifice and perseverance to stay the course.
I remain humbled and privileged to have experienced cultures and diverse issues; ranging from developing UK Prison education programs to experiencing the poverty and hardship of the African bush or social projects in the slums of Mumbai.
Continuation remains dependent on sponsorship and financial support from Companies with equipment and Volunteers providing varying expertise and input is paramount.
It is thanks to readers like you that much has been achieved, however my frustration continues on a daily basis, so much need, limited resources and so much to do.
Thank you
Simon Rooksby
Chairman / Founder - Computers for Charities
LOW COST VAT free refurbished PC & Mac systems only available too UK Charities, Schools, Church groups. From £99, I.e (D32) P4, 2.8Ghz, 1Gb Ram, 40 Gb HDD, 17” TfT screen, XP Pro, Office 2007, 12 mths Antivirus. (Click MORE below for information and stock list )
moreForthcoming events and blog information (click more below for more information) WOMAD, Russia, Swalec stadium and more
moreDonating mobile phones makes a difference.... Old, broken, unwanted it all helps!! (Click more below for more information)
more2011 Christmas Shoebox appeal gets under way, Can you help? (Click more below for more information) Thank you Cloverleaf Advocacy Pontefract, Thorne Primary School Bacup, ECF Lerwick, Specsavers Altrincham, Baldwin Training Eastbourne
moreChristmas shoebox appeal 2010 update.... Well done for making it happen. Full story click more below
moreFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Information on data removal, donating, services, safeguards, costs, etc ( Please click the more button below for further information)
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