In organizations, work computers are regularly exchanged, although a large portion of them are still completely functional. At the same time, schools lack funds for updating their IT infrastructure, and the growing importance of digital skills in education deepens the disparities in students' opportunities. At Suure-Jaani Gymnasium, the need and opportunity came together thanks to the used computers from Coop Bank and the Ministry of the Environment's IT Center (KeMIT) and the service from GreenDice.
At the beginning of the school year, 62 Suure-Jaani Gymnasium students received a computer for their use, which can be used for schoolwork both at school and at home.
According to the director of Suure-Jaani Gymnasium, Aivar Jaeski the need for digital tools in schools has been growing, but the opportunities to update technology have not kept pace. Previously, the school had a certain number of computers that students could borrow during the school day. If a teacher wanted to use computers in class, they had to be reserved in advance and consider that the devices might be needed by someone else at the same time.
"When a student gets a computer in their hands and takes responsibility for it, I believe that their sense of duty will also grow," says Jaeski. According to him, it is equally important to reuse equipment: a quality computer that has worked in a company for a few years can still be a good working tool in a school for years.
Work done at the bank, life continues at school
Coop Bank releases the exchanged IT equipment to GreenDice, who checks them, repairs them if necessary, and directs them to new users. This way, checked and prepared devices reach schools for use.
According to GreenDice, a quality business-class computer is used in a company for an average of about five years. When the device is then refurbished and directed to the next user, its lifespan can be extended by approximately another five years.
According to the head of ESG at Coop Bank, Johanna-Maria Siilak, replacing a device does not mean that its value has been exhausted. Reuse allows technology to find a new user and continue to fulfill its purpose.
"A business-class computer that is being phased out by the bank can be a very good tool for a school student for several more years. This way, we extend the lifespan of devices and contribute to ensuring that proper technology reaches places where it can still be beneficial," says Siilak.
Coop Bank has directed devices to new users through GreenDice since 2022. The bank has transferred nearly 500 units of IT equipment to GreenDice, of which 192 laptops have reached reuse and 46 have been recycled. Nine educational or youth institutions across Estonia have received Coop Bank's devices.
Having a computer helps equalize opportunities
The example of Suure-Jaani also highlights a broader issue. Although a computer has become a common learning tool, it cannot be assumed that every young person has a suitable device at home for studying.
According to Jaeski, not all families can provide the necessary technology themselves. If a school can provide a personal computer for a student to use, it helps equalize opportunities and makes the use of digital tools in education simpler, reduces the digital divide, and ensures that the lack of a suitable computer does not become a barrier to learning.
More than 40 educational or youth institutions across Estonia have received devices through GreenDice, including schools, kindergartens, youth centers, and libraries. Interest in the service has grown, and there are more requests for devices than can be immediately provided.
One device, longer lifespan
The reuse of IT equipment also has a positive environmental impact. The longer an already produced device is used, the further away the need for a new device is pushed. "We can extend the lifespan of these high-tech devices. By reusing them, we also protect the environment and nature," says Jaeski.
GreenDice has helped redirect over 2500 devices for reuse and is estimated to have prevented nearly one ton of electronic waste.
Providing technology is just one part of the equation. The school highlighted practical knowledge in cybersecurity and digital hygiene as a necessity. In the bank, these topics are an important part of daily work, and Coop Bank experts could share their knowledge with schools in the future.
"We want the collaboration to not be limited to just handing over devices. If we can also share knowledge that helps young people operate more safely in the digital world, this collaboration will have even greater value," says Siilak.
GreenDice will start thematic months in partner schools from October, during which webinars will be organized and learning materials will be shared. Topics will include entrepreneurship, digital opportunities, artificial intelligence, financial risks, and digital security.
