Give your smart device a new life in the hands of a Ukrainian teacher, student, or hospital worker

Students continue to study online, but the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine estimates that more than 130,000 laptops are needed for schools alone. In addition, hospitals and local authorities need equipment to keep basic services running. Due to the need for a huge number of technological tools, DIGITALEUROPE, in cooperation with the European Commission, launched a campaign for collecting electronic equipment, which is being carried out with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

Collection points have been set up in every member state of the European Union so that individuals and institutions could bring their old smartphones, tablets, and laptops there. In Estonia, the collection is organised by the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL) in cooperation with Ülemiste City. We also got help from Tele2 Estonia.

Doris Põld, CEO of ITL and member of the executive board of DIGITALEUROPE, says: “Even though conditions in Ukraine are poor, people still try to get on with life as much as they can. This is an effort to keep the education system going and to continue work in municipalities and hospitals. Laptops, tablets, and mobile phones are necessary to ensure that the Ukrainian people are not deprived of connectivity, which we have come to think of as a human right. That is why we have also joined this initiative in Estonia and hope to help civilians and their service providers.”

Ursel Velve, Chairman of the Management Board of Mainor Ülemiste, adds: “Ülemiste City is home to 500 companies and 14,000 talented people, who use computers and other hardware to create added value and for their daily work. The physical lifespan of equipment today is longer than its value to businesses. That is why we see that our community has the capacity to provide the necessary equipment to those in need. The unity of the Ülemiste community was demonstrated last year at the start of the war by the joint effort to aid the refugees in different ways and show them our support.”

Gert Jostov, chairman of the management board of Technopolis Ülemiste AS: “Any help that we can give to Ukraine will increase the likelihood that the horrors of war will not reach us – they are also fighting for us. Fully supporting the Ukrainian state and people is the least we can do. The Ukrainians have proven their tenacity and ingenuity and I believe that they will be able to make the most of the technology that we have provided.”

Donations will be accepted at the collection points on weekdays between 9.00 and 16.30 from 18 January to 28 February 2023 at Ülemiste City:
Reception at Öpiku Conference Centre, Valukoja 8, Tallinn;
Reception at Technopolis Ülemiste, Lõõtsa 2B, Tallinn.

Tele2 Estonia offices:
Mustika Shopping Center – Tele2 (open Mon–Sat 10.00-20.00; Sun 10.00-18.00; Karjavälja 4, Tallinn);
Rocca al Mare Shopping Center – Tele2 (open Mon–Sat 10.00-21.00; Sun 10.00-19.00; Paldiski mnt 102, Tallinn).

In addition to private individuals, surplus equipment is also expected from institutions. The delivery of the collected donations is scheduled for March and the transport to Ukraine will be handled by the European Commission. Campaign’s webpage: www.laptopsforukraine.com.

FAQ
What are the minimum requirements for devices?
It seems obvious, but the device(s) should be fully functional. For laptops, that also means a working battery, screen and keyboard/trackpad. For phones or other touch-screen devices, there should be a working battery and screen. Please include the charger if available.

Do you require any specific brand/OS devices?
For laptops, they can be Windows/Mac/Linux machines. For other devices, they can be Android/iOS operated devices.

Do I need to wipe the device before donating?
Yes, this is important: please remove any personal/sensitive information from your device before donating it*. *The Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation, the European Commission and DIGITALEUROPE do not take responsibility for any information that remains in the donated device.

What will happen to my device when it arrives in Ukraine?
The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine will receive the device and deliver it to where it is most needed – a school, a hospital, a local administration, or individuals. The decision will be made on the spot as appropriate.

Will my donation be made public?
If you wish so, yes. As part of the communication campaign, information about donors and donations can be published on the website of the campaign and on social media during the collection period. You can also share your story as a message or video on the EUTech4Ukraine Futurium platform of the European Commission: https://bit.ly/3HcE00A.

I would like to make a post about my donation. How should I proceed?
You can share the information under the ITL Facebook or LinkedIn event using the hashtags #laptopsforukraine #LaptopsForUkraine.