The Reconnect Project

About

The Reconnect Project is Australia's first social enterprise and registered charity committed to closing the digital divide by providing refurbished mobile devices to people in need. We take in donations of unwanted mobile phones, tablets and laptops in any age or condition. Under the guidance of our chief technician, volunteers repair and refurbish each device, and securely erase data with specialist software. At our shopfront in Penshurst (south Sydney), we are training young people with neurodiverse or psychosocial conditions in the art of repair, providing a safe and supportive environment in which they can learn about mobile device repair and gain skills working in a small retail setting. Through a network of Caseworkers at women's shelters, homelessness agencies, refugee and mental health support groups, at-risk youth outreach agencies and other social service providers, we get working devices straight into the hands of people in need, giving them the tools to (re)connect digitally with family, friends and essential services.

The Reconnect Project is a young and dynamic organisation and has distributed 1,350 mobile devices since we began in early 2020.

Program donations fund:

In a world where digital connectivity is expected, how do people without a mobile phone, tablet or laptop engage with education providers, essential services, community groups, family and friends? Being Connected, Staying Connected will support women, girls and at-risk youth in Western Sydney, who are digitally excluded from participating in educational activities or engaging with services supporting their recovery from trauma, acute mental health conditions, or family violence. Our team of neurodiverse staff and volunteers will repair and refurbish donated mobile phones, tablets and laptops, extending the life of existing technology. Through partner agencies across Western Sydney, these quality mobile devices will be distributed to their clients. Our aim is to extend the life of existing technology through repair and refurbishment.

Every day we receive donations of different models of mobile phones, tablets and laptops, in varying conditions. To ensure that each device goes out in tip-top condition to a person in need, we are continually sourcing replacement parts. Laptop batteries cost between $90 - $140. Mobile phone replacement screens can cost up to $80. Every device goes out with new charging accessories.

The funds we generate through Be Kind Sydney Day will allow us to continue purchasing the essential spare parts for up to 100 devices we'll provide to people in need.