2004 Computer Shipment

April 2004 Computer Shipment to Nigeria

In 2002, the WiderNet Project sent its first large shipment of computers to universities in Nigeria.  Since then, the WiderNet Project has continued to collect used computers from private and corporate donors in Iowa City and surrounding Iowa communities, and also from as far away as Washington D.C.  

In April of 2004, the WiderNet Project packed and shipped nearly 400 computers to Ahmadu Bello University, located in Zaria, Nigeria and Bayero University in Kano, Nigeria.  Also included in the cargo container shipment were software, books, monitors, servers, networking devices, and computer accessories for each university, as well as the University of Jos and the University of Ibadan, who received the first shipment of computers in 2002.  Altogether, the shipment was valued at over $150,000 in US dollars.  More than the actual financial value, this computer equipment provides new opportunities and information to scholars in Nigeria. 

In 2004, as previously, much of the computer shipment was fueled by local volunteers, who worked over four hundred hours to make sure that each computer was working properly and that functioning network cards were installed.  Volunteers also wrapped each monitor with bubble wrap and one by one packed the each of the items into a cargo container.  The packing of the container was accomplished in just five hours, after several days of non-stop preparation.  Great support was given locally, from the University of Iowa Foundation and UI Surplus with their donations, as well as the local groceries and restaurants that donated snacks. 

The cargo container is currently in transit, first taken by truck and train to the eastern coast of the United States, and then shipped by sea vessel to Nigeria.  The container is expected to arrive several months later where it will be approved by Nigerian customs.  Upon arrival, the two universities, Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University, will split the items based on a color coded system.  Further assistance will be provided by the WiderNet Project for installing and maintaining their computer networks, as well as training of computer technicians. 

The WiderNet Project continues to collect used computers and is looking forward to the delivery of this shipment as well as anticipating the next one. 

 

A Special  Thanks! Our thanks to over 100 individuals and organizations who donated computers, software, books, and networking equipment.
We would like to thank all of the volunteers who put hundreds of hours testing, repairing, sorting, and packing computers. 
  Visit Our Corporate Sponsors HERE

  Without the support of the community and corporate philanthropy none of this would be possible!

 

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