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September 6, 2025 · Peter Bernscherer · Share on Facebook · Share on Twitter
Digital bridges to the mountains of Colombia: Viennese schools give indigenous children future opportunities
A major success for international cooperation, educational equity, and sustainability in practice: A total of 150 complete PC systems have been prepared for transport to the mountainous regions of Colombia. Behind this lies a moving community project, which was recently featured on the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) program. Vienna today (as reported in a great article by Kathi Weinmann). The true heroes of this campaign? Viennese schoolchildren who "help others."
When discarded technology in Vienna becomes a source of new educational opportunities in South America, that's circular economy in action and global solidarity in action. In 2025, we were able to send a valuable cargo on its way: 150 complete computer systems, urgently needed in Colombia. But getting there was a team effort.
Viennese youth lend a hand: Schools help with helping others.
A project of this scale only works with committed partners. The young people from two Viennese schools have demonstrated what social engagement means in practice:
The Protestant Gymnasium and Werkschulheim
The Vienna Business School Akademiestraße
The students didn't just pack the computers into boxes. With meticulous attention to detail, they technically inspected the devices, cleaned them, securely erased old data, and completely reinstalled the systems. For the young people, this was a perfect opportunity to put their IT knowledge into practice and simultaneously experience the power of their own initiative. They gave the hardware a new lease on life.
Strong partnership with the Nawowa Association
To ensure that the aid reaches exactly where it is most urgently needed, we work closely with the association. Nawowa Together. Nawowa is an association that focuses on sustainable development aid in structurally weak regions. The goal: to support people in shaping their future independently and autonomously.
Besides supporting small businesses and families, Nawowa places a very special emphasis on the education of children.
Computers for the Arhuaca and Kogi communities
The 150 complete PC systems are destined for a very special region: They are going to the remote mountain regions of Colombia. Nawowa is working closely there with various indigenous schools. Arhuaca and Kogi communities together and actively supports them in expanding their infrastructure.
In an increasingly digital world, access to a computer means far more to the children of these indigenous communities than just learning keyboard commands. It means:
Access to global knowledge, which would otherwise be denied to them.
Equal opportunities and the opportunity to begin a sound education.
Strengthening the community to shape one's own future sustainably and independently.
A project that knows only winners
This initiative impressively demonstrates how much can be achieved when schools, civil society, and development aid work hand in hand. Viennese schools have made a significant contribution to environmental protection (by extending the lifespan of PCs) and to social responsibility. And in the mountains of Colombia, a gateway to the world is being opened for the children of the Arhuaco and Kogi people.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to ORF and Kathi Weinmann for the wonderful report, to the dedicated students and teachers of the participating schools, and to the entire Nawowa team for their invaluable work on site!