Become a Partner

World Computer Exchange ships donated refurbished desktop computers to groups who choose to become our Partners. Partners can be NGOs, government ministries, schools, orphanages, libraries, youth centres, telecentres, universities & entrepreneurs. Currently WCE has over 700 partners in 77 developing countries. Computers from WCE are for use in public settings to help connect more youth in developing countries to the Internet at low cost. Most of the computers need to be used most of the time to connect youth (up-to the age of 24). 

In those cases where Partners are not yet able to connect directly to the Internet WCE offers offline content as well as looking at other creative approaches to virtual Internet experiences. We are always open to different entrepreneurial ideas that help development. For more information contact: Partner@WorldComputerExchange.org

How to apply for computers

WCE requires every prospective Partner to complete implementation questions as part of the application process. Answering these questions give us information about the Partner's background and plans for using the equipment that WCE can deliver. Answering also helps these groups to think through their projects.  When the the completed application is received, they are posted on this website and shared with our Development Officers for the applicant's country, then voted on by our Board of Directors. Once voted, the applicant becomes a new WCE Partner.

The implementation questions:
(1) helps you develop your implementation plan,
(2) helps you form the basis of your fund raising proposal, and
(3) gives our Board of Directors the information needed for becoming Partners with your organisation.

Implementation Questionnaire (English). For Spanish and French verisions email Partner@WorldComputerExchange.org to request our Implementation Questionnaire

WCE reduces our sourcing cost by 5% for Partners that work with Rotary Clubs, Peace Corps Volunteers, iEARN, or upon request from one of our 25 WCE Strategic Allies.

See our complete cost sheet for computer sourcing, content and capacity building services. For Spanish and French version email Partner@WorldComputerExchange.org to request our cost summary

All shipments are processed after receipt of Implementation Questionnaire & funds from our Partner(s). Computers are shiped in containers of 200 or 400 sets to help connect 15-30 schools or centres. Containers with 400 computers are shipped within 6 weeks. Containers with 200 ship within 4 weeks. WCE offers a limited number of  shared containers for groups of  Partners in the same country. Partner allotments in a shared container can be as small as 20 sets.

Going forward, our computers will be preloaded in the language of your choice with Ubuntu operating system with a script that sends us a monthly ping, Libre/Office suite, Edubuntu.  We also for English preloads, we add our content pack including educational, health, agricultural, environmental and technology content.  Included are Khan Academy videos and videos from a computer programming course from MIT.  We are currently seeing funds to gather similar content packs in Spanish, French and Arabic.  If you would like to read the reasons why we usually load Ubuntu, please email us at Partners@WorldComputerExchange.org and we will send you these reasons in the language of your choice.

Sponsored Program

For Partners that meet our Sponsor guidelines, our volunteers can also help raise the last 1/3 of the sourcing and shipping costs for qualifying Partners via our Sponsor Campaign.  For our guidelines - please see our Sponsor-Campaign-Criteria  ( French and Spanish). 

Helping Partners Succeed

Our Development Officers help our Partners develop their organizations in the areas of planning, PR, working in partnership with others like our Strategic Allies, and computre recycling as well as in fundraising by providing ideas, helping edit their proposals, sending e-mails of support.  

Partner Responsibilities

The following are the responsibilities of WCE Partners and the sites to which they provide computers:

1. Consignee is responsible for any demurrage,customs, and costs related to clearance from the port.
2. Consignee arranges for a space to set voltage toggle switch on the computers to the correct voltage, adapt the wall plugs, re-install some operating systems, secure & install Microsoft Office or free Open Office software, and repair computers as needed (budget & plan on up-to 10% needing repair).
3. Recipient sites pick-up, install, connect & maintain these computers.
4. Recipient sites see that these computers are used most of the time by youth at low cost.
5. Recipient sites connect these computers to the Internet as much as possible - our computers usually send us a monthly ping when online.
6. Recipient sites monitor & report to WCE annually for three years on the computers' status, use & impact.
7. Recipient sites agree to be responsible for final disposal of the toxins in these computers.

If Partners are providing computers for multiple sites or schools, WCE asks that the Partner ask each site to complete a SITE AGREEMENT between the Partner and each site. Please contact Partner@WorldComputerExchange.org to request a copy.