- 07/05/2013
Ebenezer School Tanzania
Close the Gap has been active in Tanzania since 2005 and has implemented numerous projects in the northern regions of Moshi and Arusha, installing computer labs for schools, special computer equipment and software for deaf and blind children, and providing IT equipment for local hospitals. In April 2013 Close the Gap’s counsellor Anne Herman and head of projects Peter Manderick visited projects across the entire country and met some interesting people working in the ICT4DEV field. Below you can read an interview about their mission to Tanzania.
Read more »
- 29/04/2013
Since 2011 Close the Gap can count on its youth representative in the United Nations in New York. Below an overview on how this program started and evaluated on a short period of time .
Author: Department of Public Information
In an effort to capitalize on youth activism and attract more young people to the work of the United Nations, the DPI NGO Relations Section introduced in 2010 the concept of the NGO Youth Representative. Their response to our suggestion was immediate and encouraging. Scores of Youth Representatives came on board.
Following the successful launch of its Youth Representative initiative, the DPI/NGO Relations expanded its programme by offering DPI NGO Youth Representatives the opportunity to meet monthly in order to discuss and chart activities for their peers. The Representatives moved into virtual communications by creating a closed Facebook page where the young people could regularly exchange ideas with each other.
Read more »
- 26/04/2013
Hady School Arusha
In 2012 Rabobank concluded a strong partnership with Close the Gap, having donated 15,000 decommissioned computers over three years and adopted projects in the East African Community. Close the Gap is pleased to announce that today 302 computers have been delivered to 16 schools and educational institutions in Tanzania. These computers will allow 2,680 pupils to gain access to information and knowledge. For every computer delivered to a project, Rabobank also ensures end-of-life management by buying e-resource certificates from Close the Gap’s daughter organisation WorldLoop.
In order to guarantee the follow-up and sustainability of the computer donation, Close the Gap works in close collaboration with its local service partner Affordable Computers and Technology for Tanzania (ACTT).
Ebenezer School
Ms. Dorien Baelden has just graduated with a PhD in Communication Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Dorien looked at how new technologies can address feelings of AIDS fatigue and stimulate communication on HIV and AIDS-related issues among students at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa. This research is the result of an academic study that started about six years ago, when Close the Gap wanted to find out how the value of its equipment could be increased by adding context-relevant content. Please find below some of the key findings of Dorien’s research. For the abstract of the study, please click here.
Read more »
- 23/03/2013
In March Close the Gap’s Managing Director Olivier Vanden Eynde travelled to South Africa to officially meet the management of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and to visit some projects supported by Close the Gap. Please read below an interview about his trip to South Africa.
Read more »
- 04/02/2013
This year Close the Gap started a new partnership with the Antwerp-based communication agency Design is Dead to develop a new innovative and coherent communication strategy. The agency is a cross-disciplinary creative agency of craftsmen with keyboards. Delivering solid strategies, out-of-the-box concepts and highly addictive visual eye candy is what they have been doing since 1998. “We don’t just execute your briefing. We blow your mind.”
- 16/01/2013
Close the Gap wishes you an inspiring 2013!
Read more »
- 15/01/2013
In Ghana, the study of ICT is part of the school curriculum but unfortunately most schools in rural areas do not have computers for the practical study of ICT programmes. That is why the umbrella organisation of Ghanaians in Belgium (Ghana Council), together with its member associations and the support of the City of Antwerp help children in rural areas of Ghana to gain access to ICT.
Read more »
- 15/01/2013
As a Master’s in Social Work student, I have learned through experience in several different social service sectors of the importance of access to educational resources, such as information and communication technology (ICT), as tools for social justice within a rights-based social work framework. For most developed countries that are well into the digital age, the rapid dissemination of information, goods and services creates social and economic value. However, as we move further into the information age, those without access to ICT can easily be left behind in what is known as the digital divide.
Read more »
- 12/12/2012
SOSA Foundation (Support Orphans in Southern Africa) focuses on orphaned children in Southern Africa who have been directly or indirectly affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. With limited resources and responding to local and often simple needs, SOSA wants to offer children a more secure future. Thanks to a corporate fund-raising activity organised by Ricoh, Close the Gap facilitated the donation of 10 computers for two orphanages in South Africa.
Read more »
- 04/12/2012
Mr. Dan Mesis is Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources. He was invited as a keynote speaker at the WorldLoop ambassador day at Umicore on 4 December. Close the Gap interviewed him about the digital divide and e-waste recycling in Kenya.
Read more »
- 30/11/2012
Each year, EuroCIO‘s conference gathers CIOs from companies all over Europe to exchange on new trends in the world of ICT. This year, the international conference took place in Brussels on 29 and 30 November.
Read more »
- 29/11/2012
The CIO PE campaign was created at the end of 2011 by the IT Executive Circle to raise awareness of the digital divide among Belgian CIOs and to encourage them to donate their companies’ decommissioned computers to help projects in developing countries. The campaign has been a huge success: the Belgian companies collected 13,000 computer assets in one year, so exceeding the original goal of 10,000 computer assets by the end of 2012.
Read more »
- 26/11/2012
Close the Gap was interviewed by a journalist that travels all around the world to meet visionary people and brands with a purpose. Check out the story behind the collaboration between Close the Gap and KLM, within a compilation of CSR stories of different brands, companies and NGO’s.
- 15/11/2012
On 15 November, the Datacenter Group opened their new datacenter in Delft with an exclusive event. Close the Gap and Greenpeace were invited to present their point of view on the challenges of the modern ICT society and on the latest developments on sustainability.
Read more »
- 24/10/2012
“Bits for Development, windows of opportunities or further burden?” was the topic of the conference that took place on 23 October 2012. Close the Gap was invited in the panel to discuss about this topic in front of 200 students of the Universityof Antwerp and the institute of Development Policy and Management.
- 24/10/2012
On 23 October 2012, the Flemish commercial television station VTM showed a documentary movie on “Telefacts” about the transport of e-waste into Africa. They demonstrate how electric and electronic waste passes through the Belgian customs to be exported to Africa. There the waste is dismantled and often burned in the open air to retrieve some precious components that can be resold on the market. This practice is devastating for both the local environment as well as for people’s health. For Close the Gap, the dumping practice is inadmissible. Therefore, Close the Gap and its partner WorldLoop put everything in place to prevent e-waste in developing countries. Through WorldLoop, Close the Gap offers very concrete solutions for the end-of-life management of the ICT assets delivered to social, medical and educational projects.
Read more »
- 24/10/2012
On October 23, ISB, hosted a very special annual career event for its High School students in welcoming guest speakers for the annual ‘Beyond ISB day’. Olivier Vanden Eynde, Founder and Director of Close the Gap, gave a very inspiring speech about his vision on the working world. The objective of the day was to give students the opportunity to learn about the career experiences of others within their area of professional expertise and specific sector experience. ISB has been donating its decommissioned computers to Close the Gap since 2012.
Read more »
- 12/10/2012
Olivier Vanden Eynde, Founder and Managing Director from Close the Gap, has been interviewed by Sophie Brems about Close the Gap and the e-waste project WorldLoop. To listen to the interview , please click here.
- 12/10/2012
During the KLM CSR days on 11 October, KLM employees received the opportunity to have more insights into KLM’s CSR activities. For Close the Gap, this was a unique opportunity to meet employee of its partner organisation and to explain them directly the impact of their collaboration in terms of computer donations and cargo for millions of persons all over the world.
- 05/10/2012
Close the Gap has delivered ICT material to the Centre for Children in Vulnerable Situations in Lira and Bunia (East Congo). Below you will find a testimony on how the equipment facilitates their work in terms of communication and administration.
Read more »
- 24/09/2012
We are very happy to announce that WorldPC has rebranded to WorldLoop! We invite you to have a look at the new website www.worldloop.org. The new name was announced on Monday, September 24th in the presence of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Read more »
- 24/09/2012
On 24 September Close the Gap celebrated an important milestone: the donation of the 250,000th computer to Close the Gap from its donors in Europe. During a special event organized in Close the Gap’s computer refurbishment centre in Culemborg (the Netherlands), Archbishop em. Desmond Tutu, long-term ambassador of Close the Gap, was invited to carry out the last part of the refurbishment process of the symbolic 250,000th computer, which was to be shipped to MKI in South Africa, an NGO working on medical health information in townships. Close the Gap also announced new partnerships and the reinforcement of its green initiatives. Some 250 people participated in the event, including his Royal Highness Prince Carlos de Bourbon de Parme, a member of the Dutch royal family, who is known as a staunch defender of the environment.
Read more »
- 21/09/2012
“We are very pleased to partner with Close the Gap to further the organization’s mission,” says Sukhbir Jasuja, CEO, ITpreneurs. “With our aligned goal of promoting training and education on a global level, I am confident this will be a mutually beneficial partnership.” Through this partnership both organizations will collaborate to provide technology resources to developing countries, and ITpreneurs will contribute to Close the Gap through various initiatives.
Read more »
- 13/09/2012
On 13 September Close the Gap invited its “Friends of” and all interested companies to visit its refurbishment centre in Mechelen in order to get an overview of its ongoing and future activities.
Read more »
- 28/08/2012
Interested in knowing our new product offer your project might benefit from? Eager to have a look at our new application form? You’ll find both documents on this page.
- 02/08/2012
On 2 August, an enthusiastic team of five Deloitte volunteers travelled to Tanzania to take part in a corporate responsibility project focusing on sustainability. In collaboration with the NGOs Global Resource Alliance (GRA) and We Forest, they supported the local community by giving IT classes to students and the NGOs’ local employees on computers provided by Close the Gap. Please read their testimony.
Read more »
- 23/07/2012
During the summer months, Close the Gap will send 50 computers and one multifunctional printer to the technical school of SOS Children’s Villages in Kigali, Rwanda. SOS Children’s Villages is active in 133 countries and territories. They build families for children in need. They help them shape their own futures and share in the development of their communities.
Read more »
- 15/07/2012
WorldPC, the ICT4D e-waste initiative initially set up by Close the Gap, is making great progress in becoming an independent organisation. The spring season was busy with events and public debates on topics ranging from urban mining to levelling the playing field in the e-waste recycling industry and how to incorporate CSR at a strategic level to add business value from the top.
Read more »
- 26/06/2012
Close the Gap participated to the launch of WISE (Women in ICT Sharing Experiences) on 26 June in Brussels. Pattie Maes (Associate Professor MIT) was the inspirational guest speaker.
Read more »
- 22/06/2012
On 21 June Close the Gap’s strategic partner DNS.be organised the second edition of the cycling event Bike to Close the Gap. 208 cyclists from 40 companies – ICT-related companies and Close the Gap strategic partners – climbed the Paterberg in Kluisbergen, raising a total of €55,000 for PC Solidarity, Close the Gap’s project that aims to bridge the digital divide in Belgium.
Read more »
- 13/06/2012
Close the Gap organised its first “Friends of” day at Close the Gap’s refurbishment partner in Paris. All French Friends of Close the Gap were invited to visit the centre in order to better understand the way Close the Gap’s logistics partner refurbishes the computers and performs the data wipe.
Read more »
- 13/06/2012
On 8 June Club France Rio+20 launched the RIO+20 in Paris. Close the Gap was represented among 800 actors of the civil society involved in sustainable development in order to prepare the International UN conference which will take place in Brazil from 20 to 22 June 2012. 
Read more »
- 11/06/2012
10 June, the Dutch company DSM organised a fund raising event for the benefit of the World Food Program. This family event was also a great opportunity for DSM to raise awareness about the digital divide in the world. The fair was a great way for employees to share DSM’s bright science with their family.
Read more »
- 08/06/2012
Close the Gap and the King Baudouin Foundation invited the CEOs and directors of PC Solidarity’s partner organisations for a strategic lunch. The constructive discussion resulted into the expression of the reinforcement of the partner’s commitment to support Close the Gap’s Belgian project PC Solidarity.
Read more »
- 06/06/2012
On 6 June 2012 Close the Gap’s youth representative Christine Shim was present at the United Nations Headquarters for a panel discussion on “Cooperatives and the Role of ICTs”, which took place as part of the International Day of Cooperatives. The panel agreed that in most parts of the world, there is a lack of access to ICTs due to the lack of basic access to broadband, electricity, technology and funds. Bearing such obstacles in mind, the panel whose organisations are currently working to resolve such issues proposed various solutions, including improving infrastructure to increase channels of access to broadband and a universal charger to make battery and electricity access more widespread.
Read more »
- 25/05/2012
In May 2012 Huawei confirmed its support for NFTE, a Belgian non-profit organisation that aims to teach entrepreneurship to low-income youth. Huawei will finance 39 laptops in order to empower the ICT programme that is given as part of the training scheme.
Read more »
- 25/05/2012
On 24 May Close the Gap and the King Baudouin Foundation organise an information sessions for all selected projects of the fifth PC Solidarity call.
Read more »
- 25/05/2012
Each year, Africa Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the peoples and governments of Africa and to reaffirm the support of the United Nations for their efforts to build a better future.
Read more »
- 13/05/2012
12 May Close the Gap was invited as a keynote speaker for the Lions Conventie District Limburg in Hasselt. The intervention resulted into a commitment from the Lions Club to support Close the Gap through a financial intervention of €1500 for its projects in developing countries.
Read more »
- 09/05/2012
The first HR Leadership Summit organised by Close the Gap’s partner “IT Executive Circle” has been a huge success. The event consisted of an impressive series of executive level panels and roundtable discussions on HR topics. A special session was dedicated to Close the Gap and the CIO-pe campaign.
Read more »
- 03/05/2012
On 3 May Close the Gap launched “Window on the World”, an awareness-raising campaign for all employees of its strategic partners and major donors. Window on the World is a widget which allows people to be in touch with Close the Gap’s projects in the South in real time. This widget can only be created and implemented thanks to the help of a team of enthusiastic volunteers coming from all our partner organisations.
Read more »
- 03/05/2012
On 3 May Close the Gap welcomed its strategic partners and key donors to the Strategic Partner Day at Deloitte in the Netherlands. During this meeting Close the Gap’s past, current and future opportunities were presented to the audience of 40 people.
Read more »
- 27/04/2012
The Executives’ Circle was founded in 2002 with the purpose of gathering the foremost business leaders and intellectual elite within an exclusive forum that addresses today’s key management, leadership and societal challenges. In 2011 the IT Executives’ Circle, an exclusive think tank comprising Belgium’s foremost Chief Information Officers and senior IT managers, launched the CIO-PE (CIO for Hope) initiative. Its aim is to encourage companies to deliver a total of 10,000 obsolete computers by 30 November 2012. The expectations are high: so far Close the Gap has already received 4171 assets (desktops, screens, servers, etc.).
Read more »
- 21/04/2012
From 10 to 20 April Close the Gap’s Head of Projects Peter Manderick went on a field visit to Moshi (Tanzania) and Kigali (Rwanda). The goal of this mission was to visit Close the Gap’s local service partners, to evaluate recently established projects and to discuss the future of partnerships.
Read more »
- 14/04/2012
WorldPC, Close the Gap’s e-waste project, has had a busy few months. First, we are excited to welcome Thomas Poelmans as Project Director and Barbara Toorens as Business Development and External Relations Manager. With the new operational team in place, WorldPC is hitting the ground running.
On 15 March, as part of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Pan-African Forum on E-Waste in Nairobi (Kenya), WorldPC hosted a cocktail reception with around 40 key stakeholders to position WorldPC on the international e-waste scene.
Read more »
- 30/03/2012
Since the end of 2011, Close the Gap has been able to count on its youth representative Christine Shim, who represents Close the Gap at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The role of a UN Youth Representative is to support Close the Gap in its further development with respect to projects and partners, specifically by working as a liaison between the organisation and the UN DPI network.
Read more »
- 01/03/2012
The Air France Foundation is the proud adopter of a project for implementing 150 computers in 10 schools in the Kinshasa area (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Last March the three first beneficiary schools received the equipment, which was installed by Benelux Afro Center (BAC).
Read more »
- 14/02/2012
Cycle to close the digital gap between the poor and the rich and take part, along with your co-workers, in Bike to Close the Gap. Have your boss sponsor you as you challenge the legendary Paterberg from the Tour of Flanders. Through your efforts, we can send high-quality PCs to the fourth world in Belgium.
Read more »
- 02/02/2012
On February 1st 2012, Close the Gap organised a New Year Drink for the inauguration of the new offices in the VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) buildings. It was a great opportunity to thank all partners and the VUB in particular for their support to Close the Gap during the past years. Close the Gap welcomed over 50 persons from it’s main partner organisations. Managing Director Olivier Vanden Eynde introduced the new team and had a word on the current and future projects. Mr. Carl Michiels, Chair of the Direction Committee of the Belgian Development Agency, presented the past and current challenges and achievements of the E-waste project. “Close the Gap is able to touch the cold hart of the business world with the warm soul of societal involvement”, Carl Michiels concludes.
- 13/01/2012
On 12/01/2012, the Flemish television broadcasted a news item in the documentary “Koppen” where the secondhand computer market was pointed because of the potential lack of professionalism in the data wipe procedures. The journalists demonstrated how easily old data can be found or recovered in computers, even after so called ‘formatting’. They concluded that individuals and enterprises should be careful when making their used computer equipment available for re-sale, donations, or in the latter case final recycling.
Read more »
- 21/11/2011
United Nations University Institute for Sustainability and Peace (UNU-ISP), Operating Unit SCYCLE, is pleased to announce that the “Solving the E-waste Problem (StEP) Initiative” will be organizing the first instalment of the E-waste Academy (EWA) for policymakers and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
Read more »
- 11/10/2011
Today, the Belgacom Foundation will grant support to 36 non-profit organizations and Belgian student associations which were selected for their projects aimed at stimulating intergenerational dialogue. In addition, over 500 computers will be donated to non-profit associations and special needs schools.
Read more »
- 01/10/2011
Wat moet Afrika met onze computers?
Read more »
- 29/09/2011
During the past few days several media picked up our story on the opening of Close the Gap’s recycling centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
Read more »
- 27/09/2011
Led by European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes, a high-level delegation of EU representatives, corporate supporters and partners inaugurated Close the Gap’s first centre in Africa for WEEE treatment and proper disposition of sensitive materials on 27th September.
Read more »
- 08/09/2011
On September 8th, hundred persons from diverse IT firms participated to the first edition of the “Bike to Close the Gap” event organised by DNS.be in favour of Close the Gap. Despite the very bad weather, they all hit the roof of the Paterbeg (2.7 km) in Kluisbergen during 2 hours. All together and with the participation of former cyclist Johan Musseeuw and the cyclocross-woman Sanne Kant, more than €36,000 have been collected for Close the Gap. This amazing support will allow the organisation to deploy 300 to 400 computers systems in more or less 20 computer classrooms for third and fourth world countries.
Read more »
- 03/09/2011
The 64th Annual Conference of NGOs, which is associated with the UN Department of Public Information (DPI), sought to highlight effective ways in which civil society can contribute to creating and maintaining sustainable societies. Sub-themes included environmental sustainability, green manufacturing and commerce, transparent governance, grassroots activism, and limiting personal carbon footprints. The Conference sought to contribute to civil society preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20). The organizers included DPI/NGO Relations, NGO/DPI Executive Committee, the Government of Germany, the City of Bonn and UN Volunteers (UNV).
Read more »
- 02/09/2011
In partnership with YouBridge – one of Close the Gap supportive partners – Close the Gap gained some first experience in sourcing new netbooks from ASUS. This new material will be used in Uganda to support secondary school teachers training programs.
- 26/08/2011
In the context of a foreign trade mission from ‘Flanders’ with a key focus on development cooperation, it is with great pleasure that Archbishop em. Desmond M. Tutu received Minister Kris Peeters, Flemish Minister-President for a private audience, followed by a press meeting.
Read more »
- 23/07/2011
On 23th June, some 300 business and ICT decision makers and professionals attended the annual ADM reception at the offices of Belgacom in Heverlee.
Read more »
- 02/07/2011
In July 2011, a small delegation of VVOB and Close the Gap travelled through RDC to identify the e-waste situation in the provinces of Kinshasa and Bas-Congo. The delegation visited several sites in Boma, Matadi and Kinshasa city.
Read more »
- 01/07/2011
Since a few months now, Close the Gap received the support of several personalities willing to play an active role within the organisation. This support is essential for Close the Gap as this will allow the organisation to further develop its activities and also its network.
Read more »
- 30/06/2011
Through the long term support of the VUB has strategic partner of Close the Gap, the organisation recently moved it is offices to the “Karel Van Miert Building”, a recent new international office owned by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). This building has more than 10,000m² office spaces and brings together everyone at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel who is concerned with internationalization. The new building accommodates the International Relations and Mobility Office (IRMO), the Institute for European Studies (IES), the Brussels Institute of Contemporary China Studies (BICCS) and the Vesalius College. The Sociology and Political Sciences Research Groups, the University Centre for Overseas Development (UCOS) have also moved to this new inspirational place.
Read more »
- 28/06/2011
On June 28th, Ricoh France organised its very first “Rencontres Prestiges” at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris. The objective of this event was to exchange with peers, partners and clients on best practices. For the occasion, Mr. Michel De Bosschere – President & CEO Ricoh France – presented his vison of the market and developed the growing objectives/challenges of Ricoh’s clients. Also, several Ricoh partners presented innovative realisations made together with Ricoh.
Read more »
- 28/06/2011
Close the Gap is very honoured to welcome 2 new members to its Board of Recommendation: Mrs. Corinne Lepage - Member of European Parliament, Former Minister of Environment in France and Partner at Law firm Cabinet Huglo Lepage Associés – and Mrs. Sylviane Toporkoff - Founder and Partner at Items International, Founder and President of Global Forum and Lecturer at Paris VIII University (Dauphine). By joining this Board, those two eminent personalities acknowledged to support Close the Gap in its mission to bridge the digital divide. They are joining other personalities like – amongst others Archbishop em. Desmund M. Tutu (Nobel Peace price in 1984) or Count Jacques Rogge (International Olympic Committee President).
Read more »
- 27/06/2011
Mrs. Grace Baguma, Managing Director of Computers for Schools Uganda, visited Close the Gap offices end of June. During her 2-day stay in Europe, the current partnership between both organisations has positively been evaluated. Several meetings with strategic partners like Deloitte, Essent, Flection or supportive partners like IICD were planned in the Netherlands. Plans were made to develop new collaboration projects in the field of e-waste management and ICT4Education. One of the promising new mutual projects will be developed – together with the Deloitte Fair Chance Foundation – in supporting curriculum building of financial literacy programs via computer education.
- 31/05/2011
CompTIA is a non-profit trade association that advances the global interests of IT professionals and companies throughout the world. CompTIA has programs in four main areas: education, certification, advocacy and philanthropy.
Read more »
- 27/05/2011
Close the Gap’s recycling activity is featured in Datanews, a Belgian magazine for ICT professionals:
French version
Dutch version
- 24/05/2011
Euro-Green IT Innovation Centre invited several firms and organisations to discover the results of the survey on “Walloon cities facing the challenge of sustainable development”. Two main topics were presented: on one side, general status of Walloon cities willing to challenge themselves on the environmental question (measure of natural resources consumption, emissions of greenhouse gases, transport or mobility policies…) and one another hand, the measure, the monitoring and the recommendations on energetic efficiency of public buildings in Wallonia (amongst others schools and administrations).
Read more »
- 15/05/2011
The Environmental Investigation Agency and BBC Panorama use GPS to prove British electronic waste is being exported to poor African nations where it threatens the environment and human health.
Read more »
- 15/05/2011
The latest film from the “Story of Stuff” team focuses on consumer electronics and the problems of waste, recycling and toxic components.
Read more »
- 11/05/2011
On May 11th, Close the Gap was more than pleased to welcome its strategic partners and key donors for the annual Ambassador Day of the organisation.
Read more »
- 10/05/2011
The philanthropic sector is facing some interesting evolutions. New challenges in our societies motivate philanthropists and their advisors to develop new methodologies and initiatives. Philanthropy, in all its diversity, continuously contributes to improve our society. Its importance does even grow. Philanthropy is in the process of professionalizing itself, wants to improve the evaluation of its actions and is not scared to integrate new methods to achieve better social impact.
Read more »
- 04/05/2011
Since 11 years now, the REWICS (« Rencontres Wallonnes de l’Internet citoyen ») are a unique moment of information, meeting, exchange on the Internet and IT questions in the non-profit sector in Belgium: debates, workshops, exchanges on concrete practices, demos, animations… Each year around 1,000 persons participate to this event.
Read more »
- 17/04/2011
Belgian Development Cooperation actors created a platform for all Belgian organizations working in the field of education and training in development cooperation. The goal of this Educaid Platform is to support harmonization and increase effectiveness of development cooperation. The platform is divided into four working groups. Close the Gap became a member of the working group ICT and education, ICT and library development and distance education.
Read more »
- 04/04/2011
The Belgacom Group has decided to group its different existing social patronage initiatives (the Proximus Foundation and The Helping Hand) and its partnerships into a single entity, namely the Belgacom Foundation.
Today, the Belgacom Foundation is launching a call for projects for an amount of EUR 450,000 targeted at non-profit organizations and student associations, with the aim of stimulating intergenerational dialogue.
Read more »
- 22/02/2011
On February 22nd, the 3rd CharITy dinner occurred in the Castle of Ammersoyen in the Netherlands.
During this evening, a pledge for the donation of 20,000 computers has been launched. Close the Gap is proud to announce that 50,000 computers will then be collected in the Netherlands over the last 3 years.
Read more »
- 17/02/2011
On February 16-17, 2011, TechSoup Global hosted its first “Global Contributors’ Summit” which brought together more than 200 people who have contributed to moving TechSoup Global’s mission forward to create far-reaching change — a two-day conference of TechSoup Global Network partners, TechSoup product donors, philanthropic partners, NetSquared Local organizers, GuideStar International partners, organizers, and NGOs. The core of this gathering was the TechSoup Global Network (TSGN) which consists of 35 partner NGOs serving 36 countries. After 24 years serving the sector, TechSoup Global has become a leading social enterprise operating sustainably, at significant scale. To date, the impact of the TechSoup Global Partner Network has been profound – through the generosity of corporate donors, TechSoup Global’s efforts have resulted in more than $2 billion in IT savings to the nonprofit sector worldwide.
Read more »
- 21/01/2011
On January 20th and 21st, Close the Gap had the opportunity to participate at the German CIO dinner and Colloquium. This is a first step for the organization to extend its activities to Germany after this very constructive and positive contact.
More information on: http://www.ciocolloquium.com
- 07/12/2010
On December 7th 2010, Close the Gap received from Ricoh Europe – Mr. Olivier Vriesendorp, Director Product Marketing Centre, Ricoh Europe (Netherlands) B.V. and Mr. Javier Diez-Aguirre, Director, Corporate Communications Office, Ricoh Europe PLC – a voucher of €23,500 to support education projects in East African Community.
The color rally, from which the donations stem, is a campaign that was realized by Mr. Olivier Vriesendorp ‘s group. This donation has been collected by Ricoh EMEA employees. And demonstrate once again the wonderful partnership/collaboration between Close the Gap and Ricoh’s offices in Europe.
- 05/12/2010
Close the Gap was present at the UN Gaid Global forum, as a member of the UN Gaid.
The Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development (GAID), an initiative approved by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2006, was launched after comprehensive worldwide consultations with governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical and Internet communities and academia. With its multi-stakeholder approach, the Alliance reaffirms the belief that a people-centered and knowledge-based information society is essential for achieving better life for all.
Read more »
- 30/11/2010
In partnership with Close the Gap, the Dutch Foundation Ukengee recently installed low-energy Inveneo computers in 2 rural schools in the Lindi region (Tanzania). These computers only consume 30 Watt which makes it possible to install them on a solar power grid. Close the Gap funded the purchase of the computers for Lindi School and Ilulu Girls School in order to learn more on innovative approaches to tackle the digital divide in rural, low-energy areas.
Read more »
- 18/11/2010
On November 18th, Close the Gap received the Belgian HR award for the best HR contribution. Apparently, Close the Gap “Friends of” program seduced the jury composed by an independent judging committee gathering 9 senior HR Directors who represent significant employer organizations from the Belgian market (ING, UCB Group, Godiva, Microsoft, Besix Group, SPE Luminus, Belgacom, Coca-Cola and Umicore).
This award is a great recognition for Close the Gap but also for its long-time partners. It is also a mark of trust for the supported projects in developing countries.
Read more »
- 18/11/2010
On November 18th, RABO Bank organised a VIP session at their headquarters in Utrecht for 100 interested employees. The theme of the session was ‘development cooperation, with a different approach’.
Close the Gap’s representative was the second guest speaker and made a lively and interactive presentation on the challenges of ‘ICT for Development’. Among others Close the Gap showcased some realisations of larger projects in the East African Community with key messages of successes and failures, as well important lessons learned.
Read more »
- 15/11/2010
With over 800 participants from all over the world, the 6th CIO Day 2010 was this year’s largest IT executives top event in the Netherlands. Several IT professionals, visionaries, industry leaders and other hotshots have taken the centre stage on the 15th & 16th of November to enlighten and inspired this community.
Read more »
- 12/11/2010
The main objective of the workshop was the elaboration of a coordinated strategy on e-waste management in developing countries and the scoping of concrete activities to provide technical assistance to developing countries on integrated and environmentally sound management of e-waste.
Read more »
- 09/11/2010
In the light of the Belgian Trade Mission to South Africa, Close the Gap organized a project partner visit in Johannesburg and the Western Cape.
It was a great occasion to catch up with some privileged long standing local partners and beneficiaries partners from Close the Gap projects.
Read more »
- 31/10/2010
On October 31th, KLM invited Close the Gap to participate in the inaugural flight of the company to Kigali (Rwanda). KLM being one of the most important strategic partners for Close the Gap, Prof. Blonk (chairman of Close the Gap Board) represented the organization at this important event.
Read more »
- 29/10/2010
On October 29th, the Global Compact Network Belgium (GCNB) – in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme and the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – gathered international participants to explore European trends in Corporate Social Responsibility development. In the presence of Mr. Soren Petersen, Head of the UN Global Compact Office in NY, the GCNB welcomed over 100 participants from over 15 countries including local and international experts. This event, aimed to explore new ways of enhancing cross-border dynamics within the UN Global Compact.
Read more »
- 27/10/2010
On October 27th, BRS organized its annual congress to share its recent activities with affiliates and supporters. This year, Close the Gap received the opportunity to enhance the strong collaboration between BRS, KBC and Close the Gap on the donation of 500 KBC-computers shipped off to microfinance projects in Cameroon.
www.brs-vzw.be
- 20/10/2010
In order to be able to meed as much as possible the demand from our project partners we are constantly looking for opportunities to extend our product offer and test innovative applications in the market. Thanks to Microsoft, Close the Gap was able to meet the demand from its project partner IICD in order to deliver 100 Toshiba tablet laptops to two educational projects in Zambia.
Read more »
- 19/10/2010
On October 19th, Henkel France organized its first IT Day with the objective to sensitize its employees on IT trades within the company. During this internal event, Henkel and Close the Gap enhanced their recent collaboration on the life extension of Henkel’s computers to Close the Gap projects.
More information
- 30/09/2010
Dear Friends of Close the Gap, dear Reader,
Close the Gap is very pleased and proud to share the recent activities that kept the organisation busy over the summer.
Indeed, Close the Gap has been very active during this holiday’s period.
Read more »
- 01/09/2010
As last year, Close the Gap received a generous computer bags donation from Case Logic.
Indeed, the charity projects in developing countries – requesting laptops – will also receive computer bags which are always more than welcome for material protection.
Read more »
- 07/07/2010
It is not without any pride that Close the Gap’s team is delighted to announce that the organization had just been recognized as a member of the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). This means, Close the Gap can as from now, be considered as an NGO recognized by the United Nations.
Read more »
- 01/06/2010
This year, Close the Gap’s “strategic partner trip” took place in Tanzania and Uganda. The trip was organised from May 26th till June 4th by Close the Gap in close collaboration with DNS BE.
Read more »
- 04/04/2010
Since 1999, the Indonesian government has mandated that each child must go to school for nine years. However, too many children are now dropping out of school even before they reach the end of Junior High School, while some are even quitting in the primary grades.
Read more »
- 31/03/2010
Close the Gap organized its Ambassador Day on March 31th. The host of the year was ICT Media, new Strategic Partner for Close the Gap. As usual, Close the Gap’s Strategic Partners attended the event, but this year important donators were in attendance as well. Some of the guests included ABN AMRO, Pro Rail, NXP.
Ambassador Day 2010 was the occasion for the Close the Gap to come back on several achievements for 2009 and to present projects as well as objectives for the upcoming year.
- 30/03/2010
SAS Belux signs a partnership with the international non-profit organization “Close the Gap”. SAS not only donates the proceeds from the internal sales of used equipment, but also developed a solution for computerized business reporting. This application was developed at SAS by an intern from the Katholieke Hogeschool Leuven. Thanks to this solution, Close the Gap will get a clear view on what material is given by the donors and on top of that, the organization can make sure that the right IT equipment can be allocated on advantageous terms to development projects both at home and abroad.
Read more »
- 18/03/2010
Prof. em. Dr. Wim A.G. Blonk, Close the Gap’s chairman,and Olivier Vanden Eynde, Close the Gap’s general manager, recently attended the ICT Delta 2010 conference. Olivier was one of the keynote speakers in a session called ‘the World’, lead by moderator Hennie Wesseling, ex CIO of TNT and member of WorldPC’s Board of Directors.
Read more »
- 03/03/2010
There was a truly infectious sense of enthusiasm at the CEBIT conference in Hannover.
Close the Gap’s general manager, Olivier Vanden Eynde, visited the conference for a full day, with a clear and substantial program keeping specific ICT projects in mind for Close the Gap and World PC. The main interests for Close the Gap were ICT for Development projects and green IT innovations for energy-friendly consuming hardware in developing countries.
Read more »
- 02/03/2010
Over 200 Chief Information Officers (CIO’s) and leading managers of the Dutch ICT vendors were spectators Innovation Awards ceremony. During the exclusive CIO Dinner, with the theme “Burgundian”, artists such as Candy Dulfer and her band Funky Stuff, Big, Black Beautiful, Heeren van het Goede Leven and Supperclub DJ Thomas, entertained the audience.
Read more »
- 20/02/2010
Between February 20th and 28th, Close the Gap visited the head office of the Cameroom Cooperative Credit Union League (CamCCUL) in Bamenda along with a delegation of Close the Gap’s “Strategic Partner,” KBC, and “Supportive Partner,” BRS, the Belgian Raiffeisen Foundation.
Read more »
- 04/02/2010
Olivier Vanden Eynde, general manager of Close the Gap Int. attended the Open Meeting of STEP in Bonn, Germany on February 4th 2010.
Read more »
- 18/01/2010
Following a desk study on existing systems for e-waste management in the East-African Community, Close the Gap has organized a first field mission with 2 experts to gather missing information in order to establish a business plan for the implementation of an E-Waste management system.
Read more »
- 15/01/2010
On Friday January 15, 2010 an Open Space event took place on the potential of new media and youth in developing countries. The event was part of the Fill the Gap! event series organized each year by Hivos, IICD and OneWorld.nl. Fill the Gap! is a meeting place for everyone interested in ICT and international development cooperation.
Read more »
- 01/01/2010
Close the Gap team wishes all the best for 2010. May this new year be full of happiness and good realizations for all !
