The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) was established in 2012, to promote the development, adaptation, transfer and application of science, technology and innovation for the macro- and micro-economic development of Malawi.
Its vision was to be “a world-class centre of science and technology education, research and entrepreneurship” – an aim that would be is brought to life by the provision of a conducive environment for quality education, training, research, entrepreneurship, and outreach activities.
A key element of this was to re-invent its technological abilities by installing computer laboratories within the University.
To do this, MUST required desktops and laptops to help facilitate its tutors and 2,000 students, so that each could access a computer when necessary. This would also help reduce the number of shared IT devices within the university and so remove a shortfall that otherwise would had led to fewer learning opportunities and digital disconnection for its students.
The University, however, did not have the funds to purchase all the equipment it required at full price, so contacted Computer Aid; an international charity organisation providing an IT disposal service for companies and organisations.
Computer Aid partners with Tier1, the UK’s most accredited provider of IT Asset Disposal to provide the equipment that MUST required.
In order to facilitate the 630 desktops and 210 laptops that MUST required, its Director of Finance, Mr. Macdonald Hudge and IT Manager, Mr. Rodney Maganga met with key decision-makers at Computer Aid at Tier1’s office in Manchester, to guarantee the quality of the equipment it was to receive.
Satisfied with the quality, the equipment was quickly shipped and installed, creating new and streamlined learning opportunities for its students.
Keith Sonnet, Chief Executive at Computer Aid comments on the partnership with MUST:
We are so glad that our collaboration with Tier1 allowed us to deliver this equipment to the Malawi University of Science and Technology students. Allowing them to harness their digital skills and to further their education was our ultimate goal, as we continue to work towards reducing the digital divide worldwide.
Bev Benham, Partner Account Director at Tier1 adds:
Tier1 are extremely proud of our partnership with Computer Aid International, which enabled the delivery of this project. Together we have ensured thousands of devices have been distributed globally to support the crucial role Computer Aid play in bridging the global digital divide. Tier1 work with Computer Aid to ensure that devices donated by their Corporate are free from corporate data and in good working order both functionally and cosmetically.
Key to Tier1’s working philosophy is: impact at our core. This partnership fully supports that philosophy with the differences made to individuals, immeasurable.
