projects

Fixing digital devices to boost skills, reduce e-waste, and improve connectivity

Completed
A group of people pose for the camera
Start Date
Total Project Cost
USD 43,900.000
Country
North Macedonia
Project Team
Doniraj Komputer , UNHCR North Macedonia

Challenge

Refugees have limited access to digital devices due to cost barriers, while e-waste is a growing environmental concern. In addition, displaced communities face challenges gaining the skills they need to access technology-related livelihoods.

Solution

With the support of civil society initiative Doniraj Kompjuter, UN sister agencies, the private sector and local universities, UNHCR is training refugees and host communities to refurbish digital devices, which can then be provided free of charge to refugee and stateless communities, as well as other vulnerable people.

Impact

Improved livelihood opportunities for community members, easier access to digital devices, enhanced connectivity and social inclusion, and reduced electronic waste. More than 20 individuals benefit directly from the programme, while more than 200 indirectly benefit.

Project impact

20
refugees & students developed skills for refurbishing digital devices
50
computers refurbished & donated to vulnerable groups
1
platform established connecting forcibly displaced & stateless people to free computers

Other information

Read more about this project in a UN North Macedonia webstory.