Repairing tech and creating opportunity
Access to a mobile phone can make an enormous difference in someone’s life, providing a vital connection to family, community, employment and support services. Through the MobileMuster partnership and Project Phoenix, the KARI Foundation has been able to provide people experiencing challenging circumstances with a practical resource that strengthens their independence, safety and sense of culture and connection. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support our community in this meaningful way.
The Reconnect Project
The Reconnect Project is a circular economy social enterprise and charity that gives refurbished mobile technology a new purpose. Its inclusive repair workshop provides training and paid work to neurodivergent young adults, who securely erase and refurbish phones, tablets and laptops.
The devices are then distributed through social service and community organisations, including women’s refuges, homelessness agencies, at-risk youth programs and refugee support services. The model connects two forms of impact: creating employment and training opportunities while improving access to functional technology for people experiencing digital exclusion.
Reconnect Project reports that it has helped 4,382 people become digitally included with the right piece of technology, provided more than 2,000 hours of training and 5,800 hours of paid employment to neurodivergent young people, and saved 971 tonnes of CO2e by repairing and reusing devices.
One recipient was a 14-year-old Syrian refugee in Liverpool, NSW whose family could not afford a laptop. After receiving one through a partnership with Georges River Life Care and Liverpool Girls High School, the student was able to complete schoolwork and fully engage in their education. The laptop also enabled other family members to get online.
