A drive to increase access to computer technology and the Internet for community groups is the goal of a partnership between Molten Media, Canterbury Development Corporation and the City Council.

The Computers in the Community project was set up after numerous requests from the public for help in getting access to computers.

“Molten Media has been making donations of recycled computers and subsidised computer technology to community groups for years,” says Liz Ellington, Christchurch City Council Coordinator for the Computers in the Community project.

“Now, by working in partnership, we hope that even more computers, including computers that need refurbishment, will be donated, so more can be distributed into the community.”

People are being asked to donate old PCs that can be recycled, as well as in-kind equipment and software. Businesses can help out by making a contribution towards the cost of repairs or upgrades to their redundant computers. This also means less computer hardware going to landfill. Discounts on products, grants and sponsorship are other ways in which people can assist.

Liz says that access to computer technology is a vital component of a literate and informed community, and an equitable and progressive society.

“To enable this to happen, we need to reduce the gap between the haves and have nots in the area of computer technology and access to the Internet,” she says.

Molten Media manager Dean Johnson says the project is not just about recycling and redistribution of computers but about making use of the labour resource available in the region. “We want to give further training and job opportunities to people, in fields from which they were previously excluded.

“I see a wealth of resources available in Canterbury and with the help of WINZ, ACE, Workbridge and a vast number of employment and community groups, any business in any field in our region can have a positive future,” he says.

Organisations which have contributed resources to the Computers in the Community project include Telecom New Zealand, Montgomery Watson, NZ Fire Service, Futronics, Eco Computers Services, Professional Business Systems,Visual Tech, NZ Toner Cartridge, Lincoln University. In addition, members of the public sponsor Molten Media Community Trust.

A significant contribution of software has been made by Microsoft New Zealand from its Microsoft Foundation Software Donation Programme.

If anyone would like to make, or talk about, a donation, contact Molten Media Community Trust on 377 1154 or e-mail General@Molten.org.nz or visit its website www.molten.org.nz. Community groups and individuals are invited to apply for the donation of a computer if it would have a benefit to the wider community. Closing date is 28 June 2002. Please phone Molten Media Community Trust to discuss the application process on 377 1154.