Brixton TechAid charity teams up with schools to bridge digital gap

A volunteer-run charity which recycles tablets to fight digital poverty has launched its first-ever school partnership.

Community TechAid (CTA) – based in Brixton Road, Brixton – partnered up with Alleyn’s School, in Townley Road, North Dulwich and neighbouring James Allens Girls School (JAGS), in East Dulwich Road, during the school’s annual eco week.

CTA works to help bridge the digital divide by collecting unwanted digital devices and refurbishing them for members of the community who would not otherwise be able to buy them.

During the eco week, pupils and staff at the two schools recycled more than 75kg of electronic waste.

Cat Smith, chief executive officer of CTA, said: “We’re delighted to be working with JAGS and Alleyn’s School to help reduce e-waste and support members of our local community online.

JAGS has hired a designated sustainability lead, Priya Hira, to lead the school’s sustainability initiatives.

Ms Hira said: “We knew our school community would do everything that they could to help. 

“Our students, staff and parents have proved time and again that they are committed to sustainability – raising so much equipment in just one week is simply incredible and we are grateful to all those who contributed as part of our annual Eco Week activities.”

Since CTA was set up in March 2020, the charity has worked with 350 South London organisations including Age UK, Carers’ Hub, the Refugee Council as well as patients from NHS Trusts, enabling more than 2,840 people to get online and diverting 6854 from landfill.

Ms Smith said: “Our work continues to be of vital need in Lambeth and Southwark, so if you ever have a laptop or other device you don’t use, please pass it to us so that we can support people out of digital poverty.

“For more information, or to donate your device to Community TechAid, visit our website.”

Pictured top: From Left, Priya Hira, Eco Team pupils from Alleyn’s and JAGS school,  fourth from the right Emma Bailey Head of Geography at JAGS, and far-right Justin Hughes CTA, transport officer (Picture: CTA)