Dell Technologies in collaboration with Computer Aid International, CDW, and the Small Projects Foundation has established a new Solar Community Hub in Newlands
This initiative aims to strengthen community capacity building, promote skill development, and connect underserved populations to technology. “The project will benefit many generations with the opportunity to participate in higher education and vocational courses, as well as prepare them for the job market.” Monde Mfene, Ward Councillor
Over 2.48 million students and community members worldwide have benefited from Dell Technologies’ sponsorship of these centers, including those in Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Mexico, India, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. The Newlands facility is the 14th hub in South Africa and the 49th hub worldwide. These hubs give locals information on STEM fields of study and the competencies needed to succeed in the digital economy. In addition, the recently opened Newlands Center provides easier access to healthcare and business prospects.
Suzette Carty, Head of Global ESG for CDW, expressed her excitement, ”CDW is pleased to partner with Dell to make this Solar Community Hub a reality for the Newlands area. This project aligns closely with CDW’s belief that everyone should have access to the unlimited possibilities that technology unlocks.”
Since 2011, Dell Technologies and Computer Aid International have worked together on Solar Community Hubs. These stationary hubs, built from two recycled shipping containers, are intended to provide more capacity, networking, and community participation for outlying locations. The hubs have air-cooled servers, Latitude Rugged notebooks, and energy-efficient desktop computers that run on solar power.
Digitizing the Region
Through the hub, inhabitants of Newlands now have access to resources for environmental preservation, healthcare, and electricity. The facility provides local members with access to computers, laptops, servers, projectors, and Wi-Fi, in addition to services catered to their specific needs. It also offers digital literacy seminars. Other initiatives deal with HIV/AIDS, unintended pregnancies, helping moms raise healthy kids, and starting gardens to give kids access to wholesome food.
Community members who previously had to travel great distances for modern services or give up their studies now have access to local education and vocational courses. This overcomes the previous lack of public internet access and opens doors to new professional opportunities.
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About 40 strategic partners work together internationally on behalf of Dell Technologies, including Computer Aid, the nonprofit partner for the construction of Solar Community Hubs. Since 2011, Computer Aid has been essential in determining partner requirements and locations for the Solar Community Hub plan.
