World Computer Exchange (WCE) made a major impact in Puerto Rico this June, combining computer donations with hands-on technology education for local youth.
Turning Donated Laptops into Opportunities
World Computer Exchange received a generous donation of 850 laptops that came from a company in Puerto Rico. The donation was facilitated by Digitunity, a nonprofit that helps connect donated computers with organizations and communities that need them.
Learning Computer Repair by Doing It
About 200 laptops were donated to ACUTAS (Association of United Communities Taking Solidary Action), a nonprofit that works to equip communities with the tools and knowledge needed to create long-term stability.
ACUTAS operates a summer camp offering educational programs to youth in the Toa Baja area. Summer camp youth helped clean, diagnose, repair, and prepare laptops for reuse.
A WCE volunteer taught the students how to identify computer components, install operating systems, update drivers, and troubleshoot common problems.
The camp quickly resembled a small computer production line. Laptops moved from table to table as teams completed different stages of the refurbishing process. By the third day, some youths were bringing in computers from family members so they could practice repairing them.
Each participating youth received a free laptop in recognition of their work. For nearly half of the students, it was the first computer they had owned. ACUTAS distributed additional refurbished laptops to nonprofits and people throughout the community.
Building Skills Through Code
The learning didn’t stop with computer hardware. Youth also participated in a Python programming bootcamp, giving them an opportunity to explore the software side of technology.
Through hands-on exercises, logic challenges, and problem-solving activities, students learned the fundamentals of programming. As they became more comfortable with Python, they experimented with solutions, worked through challenges, and helped one another.
Some of the youngest participants were among the most eager to demonstrate what they had learned. Children as young as 10 proudly presented their projects during a visit from donors. One participant even went on to earn second place in a national educational Minecraft competition.
Support That Makes a Difference
Robb Rill, Founder of the 20/22 Act Society, and Enid Concepcion, Executive Director of the Society, visited the Python bootcamp and saw firsthand how the Society’s support was creating opportunities for young people in Puerto Rico.
More Than Computers
Together, ACUTAS and World Computer Exchange are expanding access to STEM education, programming, robotics, digital literacy, and hands-on technology skills for young people who might not otherwise have these opportunities.
