World Computer Exchange

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{{Infobox organization

| logo = WCE Logo.jpg

| type = 501(c)(3)

| founded_date = 2000

| founder =

| location = Hull, Massachusetts

| origins =

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| product =

| focus = Computer reuse and education

| method =

| revenue =

| endowment =

| num_volunteers = 300–400 active

| num_employees = 2

| num_members =

| subsid =

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| Non-profit_slogan =

| homepage = [http://www.worldcomputerexchange.org/ worldcomputerexchange.org]

| dissolved =

| footnotes =

}}

World Computer Exchange (WCE) is a United States and Canada based charity organization whose mission is "to reduce the digital divide for youth in developing countries, to use our global network of partnerships to enhance communities in these countries, and to promote the reuse of electronic equipment and its ultimate disposal in an environmentally responsible manner." According to UNESCO, it is North America's largest non-profit supplier of tested used computers to schools and community organizations in developing countries.{{cite web|title=Computer Donation|url=http://www.unesco.org/education/aladin/resource.html#Computer%20Donation|work=Support for Resource Centres and Libraries|publisher=UNESCO Institute for Education|accessdate=5 April 2013|archive-date=19 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419221458/http://www.unesco.org/education/aladin/resource.html#Computer%20Donation|url-status=live}}

History

WCE was founded in 1999 by Timothy Anderson.{{Cite web|url=http://bcm.bc.edu/issues/winter_2011/works/net-worker.html|title=Boston College Magazine » Winter 2011 » Works & Days » Net worker|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2013-07-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708192656/http://bcm.bc.edu/issues/winter_2011/works/net-worker.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://earth911.com/eco-tech/earth911-holiday-charity-spotlight-world-computer-exchange/|title=Earth911 Holiday Charity Spotlight: World Computer Exchange|last=Amanda Wills|date=2010-12-06|website=Earth911.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402132657/https://earth911.com/eco-tech/earth911-holiday-charity-spotlight-world-computer-exchange/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2017-07-19 |title=Harvard Kennedy School - Classnotes |url=http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/publications/hks-magazine/archives/winter-2012/classnotes |access-date=2022-02-16 |website=hks.harvard.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719081758/http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/publications/hks-magazine/archives/winter-2012/classnotes |archive-date=19 July 2017 |url-status=dead}} It is a non-profit organization.{{Cite web|url=http://give.org/charity-reviews/national/education-and-literacy/world-computer-exchange-in-hull-ma-7108|title=Charity Report - World Computer Exchange - give.org|website=give.org|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402132812/http://give.org/charity-reviews/national/education-and-literacy/world-computer-exchange-in-hull-ma-7108|url-status=live}}

Its headquarters are in Hull, Massachusetts, and there are 15 chapters in the US and five in Canada.{{Cite web|url=https://worldcomputerexchange.org/chapters/|title=Chapters|website=World Computer Exchange|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402132920/https://worldcomputerexchange.org/chapters/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://williamsreport.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/around-town-2/|title=Around Town|last=Williams|first=Chuck|date=2012-12-18|website=WilliamsReport.wordpress.com|language=en|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402133014/https://williamsreport.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/around-town-2/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=FCDW partners with World Computer Exchange|url=http://www.fcdigitalworkshop.com/2013/fcdw-partners-with-world-computer-exchange/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410193854/http://www.fcdigitalworkshop.com/2013/fcdw-partners-with-world-computer-exchange/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2013|website=fcdigitalworkshop.com}} {{Cite web|url=https://wsu.campuslabs.com/engage/?alert-success=Welcome+to+our+new+site.+Use+the+search+to+find+the+organization+that+you+are+interested+in.|title=- CougSync at Washington State University - Pullman|website=wsu.campuslabs.com|access-date=2019-08-29|archive-date=2019-09-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902050311/https://wsu.campuslabs.com/engage/?alert-success=Welcome+to+our+new+site.+Use+the+search+to+find+the+organization+that+you+are+interested+in.|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/WCEPalouse/|title=World Computer Exchange of the Palouse|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406223137/https://www.facebook.com/WCEPalouse/|url-status=live}}

In 2015, WCE opened a chapter in Puerto Rico.{{Cite web|url=https://prcorpfiling.f1hst.com/CorpInfo/CorporationInfo.aspx?c=353066-122|title=Puerto Rico Online|website=prcorpfiling.f1hst.com|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402192213/https://prcorpfiling.f1hst.com/CorpInfo/CorporationInfo.aspx?c=353066-122|url-status=live}}

By November 2002, the organisation shipped 4,000 computers to 585 schools in many developing countries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/New-life-for-old-PCs-Nonprofit-group-collects-2770167.php|title=New life for old PCs / Nonprofit group collects donated computers to aid students in developing nations|last1=Norr|first1=Henry|last2=Writer|first2=Chronicle Staff|date=2002-11-16|website=SFGate|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402133457/https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/New-life-for-old-PCs-Nonprofit-group-collects-2770167.php|url-status=live}}

By October, 2011, along with partner organizations, WCE has shipped 30,000 computers, established 2,675 computer labs.{{Cite web|title=Winston Center welcomes World Computer Exchange president founder|url=http://www.thebcobserver.com/2011/10/18/winston-center-welcomes-world-computer-exchange-president-founder/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203161146/http://www.thebcobserver.com/2011/10/18/winston-center-welcomes-world-computer-exchange-president-founder/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 3, 2013|website=thebcobserver.com}} {{Cite web|url=https://worldcomputerexchange.org/about-us/|title=About Us|website=World Computer Exchange|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402132923/https://worldcomputerexchange.org/about-us/|url-status=live}} In February 2012, the Boston Chapter sent out their 68th shipment bringing their total to 13,503 computers.{{Cite web|url=https://worldcomputerexchange.org/boston-ma/|title=Boston Chapter|website=World Computer Exchange|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402133004/https://worldcomputerexchange.org/boston-ma/|url-status=live}}

Activities

WCE provides computers and technology, and the support to make them useful in developing communities. WCE delivers educational content and curriculum on agriculture, health, entrepreneurship, water, and energy. The program also ensures that teachers will know how to use the technology and content by providing staff and teacher training, as well as ongoing tech support.{{cite web|title=EdTech for the Third World: Tech Tools|url=http://takefiveblog.org/2013/04/18/edtech-for-the-third-world-tech-tools/|publisher=George Washington University Institute for Public Policy and Global Communication|accessdate=29 April 2013|date=18 April 2013|archive-date=25 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725062302/http://takefiveblog.org/2013/04/18/edtech-for-the-third-world-tech-tools/|url-status=live}}

Each chapter of WCE collects donated computers, refurbishes and prepares them for shipment. They also raise funds to ship the computers.{{Cite web|url=https://bostoncares.secure.force.com/HOC__Organization_Profile_Page?Oid=001A000000bA6nJIAS|title=Boston Cares|website=bostoncares.secure.force.com|language=en|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402150556/https://bostoncares.secure.force.com/HOC__Organization_Profile_Page?Oid=001A000000bA6nJIAS|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://worldcomputerexchange.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-form/|title=Volunteer Form|website=World Computer Exchange|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402134103/https://worldcomputerexchange.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-form/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/recycling/stories/electronics-recycling|title=Electronics recycling|website=MNN - Mother Nature Network|language=en|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402134141/https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/recycling/stories/electronics-recycling|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2013-02-11 |title=Organizations Donating Used Laptops to Developing Nations |url=http://artsdigitalera.com/organizations-donating-used-laptops-to-developing-nations/ |website=artsdigitalera.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302133327/http://artsdigitalera.com/organizations-donating-used-laptops-to-developing-nations/ |archive-date=2 March 2013 |url-status=dead}}

Volunteers inspect and repair each computer, then install the operating system and educational material onto each computer.{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.vmware.com/careers/2011/11/vmware-foundation-employees-give-back-the-world-computer-exchange.html|title=VMware Foundation - Employees Give Back - The World Computer Exchange|date=2011-11-21|website=VMware Careers|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402134327/https://blogs.vmware.com/careers/2011/11/vmware-foundation-employees-give-back-the-world-computer-exchange.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://worldcomputerexchange.org/chicago-il/|title=Chicago Chapter|website=World Computer Exchange|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402132943/https://worldcomputerexchange.org/chicago-il/|url-status=live}}

WCE calls recipients of its computers "partners." The requests of computer donations originate from the partners. Once the refurbished computers and the funds to ship the computers are fulfilled, WCE initiates shipment. When possible, WCE coordinates shipments with other organizations, such as University of the People, Peace Corps,{{Cite web |date=2016-03-03 |title=Grants and Funding |url=http://playbook.peacecorpsict4d.org/toolkits/grants-and-funding/ |access-date=2022-02-16 |website=playbook.peacecorpsict4d.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303042923/http://playbook.peacecorpsict4d.org/toolkits/grants-and-funding/ |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead}} Computers4Africa.org,{{Cite web|url=http://www.computers4africa.org/|title=technology {{!}} website|website=www.computers4africa.org|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402113222/http://www.computers4africa.org/|url-status=live}} ADEA (Assoc. for the development of Education in Africa) and others.{{Cite web|url=http://whereintheworldisclaire.blogspot.com/2009/04/you-obviously-know-value-of-computer.html|title=Where in the world is Claire?: You obviously know the value of a computer|last=Infatuated_w_culture|date=2009-04-23|website=Where in the world is Claire?|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2022-02-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217082628/http://whereintheworldisclaire.blogspot.com/2009/04/you-obviously-know-value-of-computer.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://agentdstorm-senegal.blogspot.com/2011/08/expanding-worlds-of-students-with-books.html|title=Agent Stoermer in Senegal: Expanding students' worlds with books and computers|last=Stoermer|first=Danielle|date=2011-08-18|website=Agent Stoermer in Senegal|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2018-05-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519220034/http://agentdstorm-senegal.blogspot.com/2011/08/expanding-worlds-of-students-with-books.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2013-10-04 |title=World Computer Exchange |url=http://www.uopeople.org/groups/partners/wce |access-date=2022-02-16 |website=uopeople.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004202638/http://www.uopeople.org/groups/partners/wce |archive-date=4 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|title=iEARN and World Computer Exchange team up on eCorps program|url=http://www.iearn.org/news/article/iearn-and-world-computer-exchange-team-ecorps-program|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130105151458/http://www.iearn.org/news/article/iearn-and-world-computer-exchange-team-ecorps-program|archive-date=2013-01-05|access-date=2012-10-19|website=iearn.org}}{{Cite web|url=http://envaya.org/ccdo/history|title=CHILDREN CARE DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION: History|website=envaya.org|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402155611/http://envaya.org/ccdo/history|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.atencionsanmiguel.org/2015/03/11/world-computer-exchange-provides-computers-training-to-mexican-children/|title=World Computer Exchange Provides Computers, Training to Mexican Children {{!}} San Miguel de Allende {{!}} Atención San Miguel|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402154327/http://www.atencionsanmiguel.org/2015/03/11/world-computer-exchange-provides-computers-training-to-mexican-children/|url-status=live}}

In June 2013, WCE Chicago chapter sent 400 computers to Mexico, and 300 to the Dominican Republic with help of 85 volunteers.{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/06/07/chicago-group-sending-700-computers-to-kids-in-latin-america/|title=Chicago Group Sending 700 Computers To Kids In Latin America|date=2013-06-07|language=en|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402161655/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/06/07/chicago-group-sending-700-computers-to-kids-in-latin-america/|url-status=live}}

In November 2015, WCE sent two Spanish speakers to visit Honduras for two weeks in 2015 to pilot tech skills training for youth under a contract with World Vision.{{Cite web|title=eCorps Training Trips|url=http://www.worldcomputerexchange.org/ecorps|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025033249/http://worldcomputerexchange.org/ecorps|archive-date=2016-10-25|access-date=2016-11-12|website=worldcomputerexchange.org}}

The WCE Computers for Girls (C4G) initiative is field testing of eight tools to provide technological training and STEM education for interested teachers helping their girl students in four West African countries (Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and Zambia){{Cite web|url=https://worldcomputerexchange.org/computers-for-girls/|title=4 Girls|website=World Computer Exchange|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402132944/https://worldcomputerexchange.org/computers-for-girls/|url-status=live}} and Pakistan.{{Cite web|title=Computers for Girls: Pakistan|url=http://www.worldcomputerexchange.org/computers-girls-pakistan|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803213713/http://www.worldcomputerexchange.org/computers-girls-pakistan|archive-date=2016-08-03|access-date=2016-11-12|website=worldcomputerexchange.org}}

In September 2016, World Computer Exchange-Puerto Rico and 4GCommunity.org, two not-for-profit corporations, have announced their alliance to improve public school and family access to technology where needed throughout Puerto Rico.{{Cite web|title=Non-profit alliance works to improve access to technology in Puerto Rico|url=http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Non-profit-alliance-works-to-improve-access-to-technology-in-Puerto-Rico-31695.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422193336/http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Non-profit-alliance-works-to-improve-access-to-technology-in-Puerto-Rico-31695.html|archive-date=2017-04-22|access-date=2017-06-15|website=caribbeannewsnow.com}}

eCorps

To install computers at partner sites without access to experts, WCE recruits and supports volunteers from the USA under its {{Proper name|eCorps}} initiative. To be eligible, volunteers must be 21 years of age, have necessary tech skills, and be prepared to self-fund their travel and accommodation expenses. 18 {{Proper name|eCorps}} training teams have worked in Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Honduras, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.{{Cite web|url=https://www.volunteerforever.com/volunteer_profile/bryan-barton|title=Bryan Barton {{!}} Volunteer Forever {{!}} Volunteer Abroad Fundraising & Program Reviews|website=www.volunteerforever.com|access-date=2019-04-02|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402135356/https://www.volunteerforever.com/volunteer_profile/bryan-barton|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=eCorps Nicaragua 2012|url=http://worldcomputerexchange.org/ecorps-nicaragua-2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904165119/http://worldcomputerexchange.org/ecorps-nicaragua-2012|archive-date=2012-09-04|access-date=2012-10-16|website=worldcomputerexchange.org}}

The {{Proper name|eCorps}} "Travelers" program is geared towards those already planning to go to one of the countries in the WCE network, to provide tech support during their trip. 79 {{Proper name|eCorps}} "Travelers" have visited the following 41 developing countries including: Armenia, Bolivia, Cambodia, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda. In 2015, "Travelers" visited: Cambodia, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and South Africa.

Computers

WCE uses the Ubuntu operating system on their computers, citing the cost of license and being less prone to malware while providing a computing environment such as word processor and printer drivers.{{Cite web|title=Why Ubuntu|url=http://www.worldcomputerexchange.org/why-ubuntu|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227142952/http://www.worldcomputerexchange.org/why-ubuntu|archive-date=2012-12-27|access-date=2013-03-17|website=worldcomputerexchange.org}}

Unlike One Laptop per Child, the computers do not contain specialized software. Each computer is loaded with educational materials to allow users to learn without an internet connection.