Rota and Qatar Academy sign agreement on computer initiative

The agreement was signed by Mohamed Jassim al-Naama, Rota acting executive director and senior management representative (Fundraising & Sponsorship), and Dr Eric Sands, QA director, at a function held at Qatar Academy recently.

The pact builds upon Rota’s own computer refurbishing initiative, which started in 2013 to support QA’s own programme on computer refurbishing for its “Laptops for Workers” drive.

Co-operation effectively started in February 2014. QA students have participated in an introductory session on computer refurbishing by Rota. They have also visited the Rota computer refurbishing lab and started refurbishing Qatar Academy laptops following QA-designed methodology.

“The Rota computer refurbishing project has always focused on the positive impact of modern technology and quality education in students’ lives. Today, we are delighted to sign this agreement to help set up a new initiative in line with Rota’s drive at Qatar Academy,” said al-Naama. “This Rota-QA partnership will provide an incredible opportunity for students to utilise their technical potential to reach out to the underprivileged and deserving workers by offering them IT as a tool to create a better future.”

As Qatar Academy regularly buys new computer equipment for students and staff alike, the agreement supports the recycling and refurbishing of QA disused laptops, to be donated to migrant workers. It is expected that some 640 laptops will be refurbished and
distributed in 2014.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr Sands said: “This agreement reiterates our belief in giving importance to the sense of community and on developing community awareness and concern, and the skills needed to make an effective contribution to society”.

“Laptop for Workers” at Qatar Academy is an International Baccalaureate Community and Service (MYP-C&S) and Creativity, Action Service (DP-CAS) programme. All students in the senior school are eligible to join.

The purpose of this programme is to provide low-income workers at QA, in Education City and in Qatar with laptops and mobile phones in order to improve their quality of life while working
temporarily in Qatar. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Rota - with its developed expertise in setting up computer refurbishing initiatives - will support QA as it creates its own computer refurbishing lab, triage zone, inventory and asset management.

QA will impart training in the computer lab to refurbish, repair, test and prepare computers for distribution.

The Rota computer refurbishing project was initiated by Rota to address the environmental impact of e-waste and use refurbished computers to improve
access to quality education.

Rota has recently donated 50 computers, screens, keyboards, mouse, cables, 16 laptops, dock stations and bags to two schools in Doha under its computer refurbishing project to schools in Qatar.

Rota will also help Qatar Academy set up a Youth Service Club at Qatar Academy if the need arises. Rota has extensive experience in the matter as, since 2009, it has supported more than 20 Youth Service Clubs, comprising more than 200 members and associates.

A big part of Rota’s contribution will be to monitor and evaluate the success and progress of the initiative.