The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is proud to support digital learning in Ottawa through the donation of two refurbished laptops to École Sainte-Marie Mère de Dieu.
This technology donation will provide the school with additional computer resources to support classroom learning, research, digital assignments and the development of essential technology skills.
École Sainte-Marie Mère de Dieu is a private, non-profit French-language Roman Catholic school in Ottawa, Ontario, serving students from kindergarten through Grade 12. The school provides in-person education across a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, science, languages, history, geography and computer studies.
As technology becomes increasingly important in education, access to reliable computers can make a meaningful difference for both students and educators.
Supporting Digital Learning and Technology Skills
Digital literacy is an important part of preparing students for post-secondary education, future careers and everyday life.
At École Sainte-Marie Mère de Dieu, technology is incorporated into the academic environment through computer studies and technology-based learning. Students can use computers for research, educational software, online learning materials, assignments and programming activities.
The school’s curriculum also includes computer science opportunities, with secondary students introduced to concepts such as algorithms and programming with Python.
ERA’s donation of two laptops will help expand the technology resources available to students and teachers.
While two laptops may seem like a small contribution, each device can become a valuable classroom resource for:
- Online research and educational resources
- Digital assignments and presentations
- Programming and computer studies
- Educational software
- Science and mathematics activities
- Developing digital literacy and technology skills
Through donations like this, ERA helps give functional electronics a second life while supporting schools and community organizations across Canada.
Reuse Before Recycling: Giving Electronics a Second Life
At ERA, reuse comes before recycling.
Businesses and organizations regularly replace laptops, desktop computers, monitors, tablets, smartphones, servers and other electronic equipment as their technology needs change.
However, not every retired device needs to enter the recycling stream immediately.
ERA evaluates collected electronics for potential reuse first. Equipment that remains suitable for continued use can be securely processed, tested and prepared for donation to eligible schools, registered charities, non-profit organizations, care facilities and community groups.
This reuse-first approach provides both environmental and community benefits.
Extending the useful life of electronics helps reduce unnecessary electronic waste (e-waste) while making better use of devices and materials that have already been manufactured.
At the same time, refurbished technology can provide schools and non-profit organizations with equipment they may otherwise have difficulty accessing.
The donation to École Sainte-Marie Mère de Dieu is a great example of ERA’s circular approach in action: technology that is no longer required by one organization can continue creating value somewhere else.
When electronics can no longer be safely or practically reused, ERA ensures they are responsibly recycled so recoverable materials can be properly processed and diverted from landfill.
Helping Reduce Electronic Waste Across Canada
Electronic waste continues to be one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide. Extending the life of usable electronics is an important way to reduce unnecessary waste and support a more circular economy.
ERA works with businesses, individuals, municipalities, schools, charities and non-profit organizations across Canada to collect unwanted electronics, securely manage data-bearing devices and identify opportunities for equipment reuse.
Through ERA’s Technology Donation Program, refurbished computers and other electronic devices can be redirected to organizations that need them.
Each successful donation helps keep useful technology in circulation longer while supporting digital inclusion in Canadian communities.
Apply for a Technology Donation
Schools, registered charities, non-profit organizations, care facilities and other eligible organizations looking for computers or other technology can apply through ERA’s Donation Program.
Apply here: www.era.ca/apply-for-donations/
ERA is proud to support École Sainte-Marie Mère de Dieu and help provide technology that can continue serving students in Ottawa.
Together, we can extend the life of electronics, reduce e-waste and help technology continue supporting education and communities across Canada.