The first operation, last winter, caused a real rush in front of the headquarters of the Concarnaglou-Territoire Zero association for the long-term unemployed, on rue Bayard. On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, the structure distributed 84 computers again to vulnerable people in a few hours. And this is completely free. “There were at least 60 people queuing outside. We did not expect such a success,” says Serge Le Gall, treasurer of the association.
So, to avoid “another surprise”, the association has decided to take the initiative by now announcing the next distribution date: it will be next Tuesday, August 27, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., still at 52. rue Bayard. A date that was not chosen at random, since it falls a few days before the start of the school year. “For this operation, we decided to focus on teenagers, schoolchildren and students who do not have the means to buy a computer,” reveals Pierre Le Gras, co-president of Concarnagglo-Territoire Zero of the Long-Term Unemployed. This time, you will need to reserve your computer in advance, by sending an SMS or email to the organizers of the operation*. There is no need to rush though. The stock should be large enough to meet demand. “We are members of the Ordi Grand Ouest network, which supplies us with computers,” explains Pierre Le Gras.
Each device has been inspected and tested.
All of these devices have been refurbished, tested, reconfigured and cleaned by a team of 3 to 4 members of the association, all in a state of long-term unemployment. It is a huge task for these people, who are due to join the future recycling plant in Concarneau which will open its doors next fall. “By rehabilitating these computers, everyone has been able to improve their skills,” confirms Serge Le Gall.
Fighting the digital divide
The distributed computers will be accompanied by their monitor, keyboard, mouse and various office software. They will run on the free and open source Linux operating system. “We also guarantee these computers. If there is a minor problem, it will be possible to make an exchange. We will also invite users to come to Konk Ar Lab if they need a computer training course.
This process also aims to combat the “digital divide,” “which is much more serious than we think,” says the treasurer.
