Refurbishing computers, Promoting equity

In 1999, Phil was teaching touch typing to 3rd graders at two Arlington elementary schools when he noticed that some kids were racing through the lessons, while others were visibly stressed and struggling; it was clear to him which kids had computers at home and which didn't. When the school purchased new computers, he asked the principal if he could refurbish the old ones, which would otherwise have been sold for scrap metal, and donate them to students who needed them. Phil found his passion and has been refurbishing computers for over 20 years - now with KindWorks, as the volunteer head of our new digital empowerment program.One of the first students Phil gave a computer to was 3rd grader Makshya; she was being raised by her grandmother from Cameroon. When he dropped off the computer, he thought to himself that Makshya was so bright that one day she'd go to Stanford. In 2015, Makshya graduated from Stanford University on a full scholarship. Under Phil's leadership, KindWorks is building a team of computer collectors and refurbishers all over the DMV. They're taking old computers, laptops, tablets and painstakingly breathing new life into them, to promote digital inclusion for all. "Much is possible when people work together for greater digital inclusion," Phil says. "Our society does not need 'givers' and 'receivers'; we need more people banding together for the advancement of everyone."PS: Friends, if you have extra USB mice and keyboards, please let us know and donate them to our efforts.#humanKINDbySalma#dokindworks#kinddemic