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31.12.2020 ·  Peter Bernscherer  ·  Share on Facebook  ·  Share on X (Twitter)

Review of 2020: PCs für alle against educational losses due to Corona

2020 brought not only Corona – in response to the pandemic, the non-profit association PCs für alle.

2020 brought not only Corona – in response to the pandemic, the non-profit association PCs für alleSince the coronavirus swept Austria's schools empty in the spring, home schooling and distance learning via the internet were intended to facilitate instruction. However, for many children from low-income families, this form of instruction poses a major challenge. Where can they get the necessary computers when money is only enough for the bare necessities?

How it all began: a one-man project grows beyond itself

Since 2018, Viennese resident Peter Bernscherer had been collecting used computers, restoring them, and distributing them free of charge to those who urgently needed them for school, university, or work but couldn't afford them. His basement served as his storage unit, and his living room served as his workshop.

In order to meet the enormous demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Peter had to make his work more efficient and, above all, more comprehensive. Therefore, in May, he and his first colleagues founded the non-profit association PCs für alleWithin a short time, a group of volunteers gathered who shared Peter's vision: donate instead of throwing things away. To pave the way for people, especially children and young people, into the digital future.

By the end of the year, there were already 14 people who regularly volunteered – and many more helped out on an ad hoc basis. Some cleaned the devices, installed spare parts, deleted data, and installed fresh software. Others transported them from A to B – even across the country if necessary. Dozens of computers were sent to various schools in Linz so that their students could participate in lessons from home. Other volunteers offered the association their expertise or their network: Georg Effenberger and Walter Starek from the Juvivo association, for example, arranged a cheap club premises, and Ernst Michalek created a website. The association is also represented on social media channels: Twitter or Peter Bernscherer on Twitter and on Facebook advertises PCs für alle for equipment donations and reports almost daily about the joy, relief and gratitude of those who finally receive them.

Computer donations now come from both private individuals and companies and organizations that donate their old devices. And that's a good thing: The inquiries come from all federal states, and occasionally even from within Germany. They come from individuals, but primarily from schools or charitable organizations desperately seeking devices for their children. Caritas, Hilfswerk, Volkshilfe, Homeless Assistance, Kinderfreunde, and SOS Children's Villages have thus become partners in the efficient distribution of computers. More than 1000 laptops and PC systems have already found their way quickly and unbureaucratically to people who urgently need them through this network.

Demand for free PCs will remain high in 2021

We expect continued high demand for free devices in 2021. The coronavirus pandemic has given digitalization a boost, and home schooling and working from home will not disappear even after the pandemic subsides.

PCs für alle We want to equip ourselves to help as many people as possible. Through new collaborations, we're expanding our reach even further outside of Vienna. Therefore, we're continuing to work on professionalizing our services. We're currently looking for a ground-floor location for a larger workshop. We may even be able to hire one or two fairly paid employees to increase our efficiency. Another key focus is the launch of our Digital Empowerment program, with which we aim to train migrant women in particular to become experts in everyday computer problems.

Please continue to support us in 2021 with your used computers, laptops, monitors, or other accessories. Of course, we also welcome donations for workshop and office rent, spare parts, and transportation costs!

The Team of PCs für alle wishes you a happy and healthy 2021!