RAD celebrates 2024 milestones, seeks more laptop donations

Recycle A Device (RAD) is celebrating an eventful and productive year in 2024, marked by significant milestones and recognitions within the tech and environmental sectors. The organisation has notably secured a finalist position at the NZ Hi-Tech Awards for the third consecutive year under its umbrella body, Digital Future Aotearoa. This accolade underscores RAD's ongoing commitment to fostering technological proficiency among the youth of New Zealand.

Adding to this triumph, Eva Riddell, who serves as the Schools and Community Liaison for RAD, has been named a finalist for the Kaiwhina Award at the upcoming Ngā Tohu Matihiko 2024. This acknowledgement celebrates her contributions to the integration of digital skills in education and community settings.

Currently, RAD has extended its reach by welcoming several new schools and community groups to its initiatives. The schools involved include Hillmorton High School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Horouta Wānanga, Te Kura Iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano, Tōnui Collab, Rosmini College, Napier Boys' High School, Selwyn College, and Rototuna Senior High School. During the first five months of 2024, RAD has conducted 28 training days, benefitting 420 students who have acquired new technology skills.

Partnering closely with Remojo Tech, RAD has successfully supported these new refurbishing clubs, guiding them through their journey of device refurbishment and digital empowerment. This collaboration has been instrumental in meeting RAD's goals of promoting tech literacy and environmental sustainability.

Sustainability remains a core focus for RAD. This year, the organisation has collected and repurposed 3,920 kg of laptops, preventing a significant amount of e-waste from reaching landfills. This effort has directly contributed to a reduction of 4,339 kg of CO2 emissions, equating to the savings of a 1,190 km car drive.

Despite these achievements, RAD is acutely aware of the pressing need for more donated laptops to meet community demands. The ongoing cost of living crisis in New Zealand has heightened the necessity for gifted devices among families, with RAD having received 1,502 generous laptop donations this year. However, the demand far exceeds this number, and the organisation is actively seeking further contributions to bridge this gap.

RAD extends its gratitude to its recent donors, including Network for Learning, NZ Film Commission, Leighs Construction, Ko Taku Reo, TSB Bank, and Calder Stewart. Financial support and funding have also been secured from entities such as the Catalytic Foundation and Auckland Council Waste Minimisation Innovation Fund, among others. These relationships have been vital in sustaining RAD’s operations and expanding its impact.

The Recycle A Device team remains committed to its mission, continuously working towards equipping New Zealand’s youth with essential technological skills while also addressing environmental challenges through sustainable practices. Their efforts and collaborations bode well for the continued success and growth of the organisation.