Access to information technology is a major challenge for society in a constantly evolving world. Yet, some do not have the privilege of owning computer equipment, including in Luxembourg. “A large majority of the population has very good access to these technologies and many households are well equipped, but there are still some who do not have a computer at home and who are therefore poorly connected. This divide grew even wider during the pandemic,” according to Patrick de la Hamette, Director of Digital inclusion.

Founded in 2016, Digital Inclusion works to bridge this gap by making information technology accessible to all in Luxembourg. One of the non-profit association’s main missions is to collect and distribute computer equipment throughout Luxembourg. “As official Partner for the government’s IT recycling policy, we operate a circular economy model which aims to offer low-income residents and refugees the equipment required to attain digital independence.”

Involving local businesses

Digital Inclusion targets the country’s local businesses by offering to come and collect their outdated laptops and smartphones for reuse in the framework of a social project. Through this initiative, businesses, organisations, and individuals can promote their charitable and environmentally responsible actions. Offering their devices a second lease of life ensures that these can be used for as long as possible and at the same time maximises their own impact. “Additionally, Digital Inclusion promotes each donation through social media campaigns to showcase the donor’s ecological awareness and social commitment to Luxembourg. The number of laptops donated is also indicated.”

An inclusive and participative approach

The organisation refurbishes each device, including damaged laptops and smartphones, at its participative computer workshop accessible to all. Digital Inclusion runs the workshop, teaches computer maintenance skills to out-of-work individuals and volunteers, and certifies their skills. It also distributes these devices promptly and free of charge to people in need throughout Luxembourg via a fair and public waiting list opened in 2016. To register, candidates must meet certain criteria: benefit from the cost-of-living allowance granted by the government or be a refugee in Luxembourg. “Since 2017, recipients of laptops have also been able to follow free computer classes in ten languages and three levels, from digital literacy to digital citizenship. Unlike our free laptop distribution activities, these classes are open to everyone and offer participants the chance to improve their general digital skills.”

Guaranteeing fair and cash-free distribution

Digital Inclusion differs greatly from other laptop collection initiatives. “We are committed to distributing 100% of the value collected through our social, cash-free, transparent, and entirely local distribution model. We guarantee that the laptops will only be given to families in need and refugees in Luxembourg.”

With consistently high demand for devices, the non-profit organisation offers an alternative to traditional laptop and smartphone donations. Businesses can opt for sponsorship models in which devices are sourced from second-hand suppliers.

The non-profit organisation takes steps to ensure that donated devices remain within Luxembourg and are reused solely for social purposes during their lifespan. To that end, all devices are engraved with a serial number and issued with a free replacement guarantee in case of obsolescence. Once the devices reach the end of their lifespan, they are handed to the local recycling centre. Digital Inclusion was officially granted the social reuse mandate in 2022 under a Luxembourg government agreement, namely for the Ministry of Family Affairs, guaranteeing fair and transparent practices. The association not only complies with environmental regulations and authorisations, but thanks to its partnership with the Ministry of Family Affairs since 2022, it also ensures the very highest transparency, fairness, and GDPR standards. Digital Inclusion provides every available solution to protect data, including the possibility of donating laptops without a hard drive or by offering a certified data erasure service. “We provide donors with donation and data erasure certificates” In addition to a full range of data security options, Digital Inclusion also offers complete logistical support for donations of unused devices, for example, ensuring their transportation.

Growing demand for computers

With the increasing digitalisation of society and rising inflation exacerbating the challenges faced by those in need, the demand for Digital Inclusion’s services has never been higher and every laptop counts. “In 2022, for example, in response to the war in Ukraine and the large numbers of additional refugees arriving in Luxembourg, we launched a call to action. This led to the collection, refurbishment, and distribution of more than 2,000 second-hand computers and 270 smartphones.” Digital Inclusion has been recognised for its work by the IMS Sustainability Awards.