The digital divide is the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology, and those with very limited or no access at all. It includes the imbalance both in physical access to technology and the resources and skills needed to effectively participate as a digital citizen.
Many people, mostly those already socially disadvantaged in some way, cannot or do not have access to the new technologies and the opportunities they bring. These people stand on the wrong side of the "digital divide".
One of our social goals is to reduce the digital divide and we therefore supply refurbished equipment to the disadvantaged at no or low cost. We supplement this by providing computer training so that the elderly and those without access to computers develop the knowledge, skill and experience and have the ability and confidence to use the internet.
Making refurbished computer equipment available to the community at affordable prices
The best form of recycling is reuse and our successful retail and refurbishment program, allows us to make affordable computer equipment available to the community while offering valuable training in customer service skills and retail experience to unemployed people.
Intergenerational Activities
The benefits of this sort of activity can be significant for all involved. At MillRace IT, we encourage older people to remain active as they age, remaining engaged with society and feeling valued.
This in turn can help tackle the increasing isolation and loneliness experienced by many older people, and will encourage children and young people to become active and involved citizens.
Working across generations can address the negativity felt by adults towards young people and produce better motivated and more successful young people.
This can also bring the young and the old together to learn from and about each other. By sharing skills and experiences, we can increase understanding and respect between younger and older generations.
MillRace IT achieves this through empowering the older generation to embrace digital technology with encouragement to use the internet, social networking sites, skype, webcams and other online activities to help them keep in touch with family members, young and old alike.
