Recognition in Adult Learners Week 2002
Computer Recycling Program,
King Valley Open Source Users Group, King Valley
Adult Learners Week Launch - 02 September 2002
 Nothing is more irritating than a computer that refuses to work.
But an Adult and Community Education (ACE) program in The King Valley is putting frustration to good use, and recycling outdated technology for community benefit.
The Computer Recycling Program, run by King Valley GPL Users group, takes obsolete computers from schools and other groups, upgrades them and donates them to community members who are not able to afford their own computer.
The program enlists the help of local volunteers to refurbish the computers and install the Linux Operating System and Open Source software (an alternative program to Microsoft Windows).
Apart from the benefits for the families who receive the recycled machines, the program has been the catalyst for a number of valuable community outcomes:
Establishing the Linux Operating Group, comprising local retirees from the IT industry and young people interested in computers, who come together to update the obsolete computers. The group has become a important social and intellectual network for its participants, and a successful mentoring program for its young members;
A chain reaction of generosity by local schools, businesses and other organisations donating computers and venues for the program to operate from;
Establishing the 'Men-in-Sheds' program, a weekly workshop of local men - many of whom are farmers - who have never touched a computer before and who come together to 'tinker' with technology.  The group has become quite creative with unsalvageable machines; converting them into aquariums!
Introducing technology to members of the community who have no previous experience with computers. Those who receive a recycled computer are required to attend beginners classes.
"This program has evolved to become the epitome of a village based ACE provider's need to deliver adult education and build social capital," says Greg Naylor from the King Valley Learning Exchange.
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