Close the Gap International VZW
Close the Gap International VZW is an official not-for-profit organisation that helps to bridge the digital divide in the world by offering cost-efficient high-quality computers to socio-educational projects such as schools, hospitals and other programmes focussing on improvement of educational and information facilities.
Mission
In the West computers are seen as a commodity and companies and institutions replace them every three to four years. Subsequently such bodies are increasingly looking for sustainable ways to replace their old computers, while at the same time millions of computers are needed in developing countries.
Close the Gap collects computers from its donors, has the hard disks cleaned, the hardware checked and subsequently configured according to the requirements of its end-users. The computers are then shipped to the destination country by air or sea transport. Locally they are incorporated in a support and maintenance programme to ensure good usage and sustainability.
Close the Gap does not only provide computers to developing countries, it also builds up various partnerships with other organisations worldwide in order to deliver all-embracing soft- and hardware solutions to its recipients.
By doing so Close the Gap participates in the United Nations’ “Millennium Development Goals”. The eight targets, outlined by former UN Secretary Kofi Annan, include access to IT technology and the transfer of knowledge. It is here that Western companies, through Close the Gap, can offer millions of people and communities the support to bring AbOUT a true change.
Services
Professional Refurbishment
Guaranteed 100% safe and reliable data erasure in compliance with strictest requirements of NATO and United States Department of Defense.
A Data Wipe certificate is always given to the donors, guaranteeing that no personal or other confidential data can be mis-used.
All donors of Close the Gap receive a complete overview of the examination and refurbishment process of the computers.
A detailed status report informs the donor on the quality of every asset given.
Certificate of destruction (in case of Teardown WEEE Processing)
- Principles
- Safety: the information on donated computers is completely erased.
- Reliability: Close the Gap is monitored by an international auditor in order to guarantee that funds are used for their intended purposes.
- Comfort: computers are picked up at the desired time and place by Close the Gap at the donor location.
- WEEE Directive
The refurbishment partner of Close the Gap has all required and necessary permits and audited controls to support, prevent and facilitate e-waste-minimisation.
- Logistic Premises
Close the Gap's refurbishment partner has premises in Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany.
- Recycling Policy
If equipment has failed test and/or is not suitable for re-use, the product will be disassembled and materials and waste disposals are handed over to European approved down-stream recyclers. This is all in compliance with current environmental standards and legislation such as WEEE Directive and the Basel Convention. In this way Close the Gap and its refurbishing partner handle a 0% landfill policy and will never ship not working equipment or hazardous waste to its projects.
Project Management
In essence, Close the Gap does not offer direct aid to any project, but rather provides tools which can be put to good use and which can enhance the further growth of a community and country. ICT should thus trigger social and economic development as it embraces enormous potential to accelerate growth in efficiency and accessibility.
A project should produce a social added value focused on the needs and requirements of the beneficiaries. Close the Gap wants to ensure that edge conditions concerning reliability, security and computer infrastructure are met before recognizing a project application, this to assure maintenance and sustainability of a project:
Projects must be non-commercial, i.e. budget limited organisations Basic infrastructure needs to be in place, i.e. security, furniture, power, etc. Minimum of local IT knowledge and proficiency
The programme must be in line with a local broader Capacity Building programme.
Project Cost Price: personal contribution, covering the cost of processing, logistics and overheads.
The vision of Close the Gap is that reducing the digital divide is an important step towards a higher living standard in developing countries, enabling young people to fully explore their talents.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The successful work of Close the Gap depends on a very large extent on the generosity of its partners and donors on the one hand.
On the other hand on Close the Gap’s supply of win-win situations to both its strategic partners and donors as to Close the Gap and its stakeholders.
In this light, Close the Gap launched the Friends of Close the Gap Programme, where its most committed partners are encouraged to contribute their niche expertise rather than just their cash.
This programme supports the internal Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes of the partners of Close the Gap. It provides community investment opportunities, employee awareness and involvement initiatives and also clear logistical solutions for the end-of-life of the partners’ ICT assets.
Within the framework of the Friends of Programme the strategic partners and donors of Close the Gap see their activities with us also gather the rewards of their important partnership. In return, the collaboration with Close the Gap is rewarded with a more integrated relationship.
Close the Gap offers your organisation a custom made concept complete with internal and external communications tools to support your corporate social responsibility objectives.
Close the Gap’s business to business approach brings Friends of Close the Gap in contact with each other and strengthens their network.
Advisory Board
Complementing the Board of Directors, Close the Gap’s Advisory Board consists of a number of international personalities. Members of this board act as international ambassadors and also play a strong role in strategic decisions to be taken by giving advice to the Managing Director on existing approaches and proposed directions.
Viscount Etienne Davignon Vice Chairman Suez-Tractebel Former Vice-President of the EU-Commission
Prof. Dr. Marc Despontin Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University Brussels)
Mr. François-Xavier de Donnea Minister of State, Belgium
Mr. Dieter Frisch Former Director General for Development at the EU-Commission
Mrs. Monique Heijn Ambassador STOP AIDS NOW!
Prof. em. Dr. Silvain Loccufier Honorary Rector of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University Brussels)
Dr. Beyers Naude († 1915-2004) Former Secretary General of the South African Council of Churches*
Dr. Peter Piot UNAIDS Executive Director (until 31/12/2008) Chairman of the King Baudouin Foundation, Brussels
Prof. Dr. Jan Pronk Former Minister for Development Former Deputy Secretary General United Nations and former special UN-envoy for Sudan
Count Jacques Rogge President International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Archbishop Desmond Tutu Nobel Peace Price 1984
Prof. Dr. Frank Vandenbroucke Minister of Education in Flanders, Belgium
Prof. Dr. Benjamin Van Camp Pro-Rector Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University Brussels)
Prof. Dr. Karel Van Miert Former Vice-President of the EU-Commission
Mr. Tony Vandeputte Honorary Delegate Administrator at the Federation of Belgian Companies
Close the Gap owes Dr. Beyers Naudé a tremendous debt and gratitude for all his efforts to help Close the Gap. We would therefore like to mention his name here as a sign of our recognition and respect.