Computer Aid International will establish a computer refurbishing center in Zambia's rural Macha community. The organization will also send some managers from LinkNet Zambia, Macha's ISP (Internet service provider), to foreign countries to learn proper refurbishment and disposal methods.

"It is important that the growing number of computers in Macha and the other rural areas who are going to benefit from LinkNet Zambia's roll out of technology have a second-life support system in which it can offer computer repair," said Tony Roberts, Computer Aid International founder and director.

Computer Aid International has been supplying computers and wireless routers through LinkNet Zambia to individuals in the education, health and agriculture fields, as well as supporting projects for those living with disabilities, Roberts said. The organization has, however, met challenges in convincing donors to send hardware to rural areas of Africa, he said, as many do not understand the importance of doing so.

Meanwhile, LinkNet Zambia continues to roll out technology in rural areas of Zambia and will now focus on connecting the Mukinge community, replicating the successful project in Macha. The company has already donated a LinkNet Resource Container, which acts as an access point for Internet connection.

LinkNet Zambia has welcomed Computer Aid International's move to set up a refurbishment center at Macha, indicating that Macha already has a great deal of expertise around which capacity needs to be built.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.