Yellowknife (Oct 01/04) - Dozens of refurbished computers are being put to good use in Yellowknife and around the NWT, thanks to the Smart Communities program.

Computers for Schools was co-founded in 1993 by Industry Canada and the Telecom Pioneers to refurbish computers and related equipment donated by governments and businesses.

The computers are distributed across Canada to schools, libraries and non-profit organizations involved in learning or training.

The program recently received 322 computers from Ottawa to refurbish and distribute.

"The program is running very successfully," said Amrik Kanwal, refurbishing centre manager.

"I go through all the computers, cleaning off old information and loading our own system on. We give new life to the computers."

Kanwal has filled orders for many non-profit organizations, including Girl Guides of Canada, Aurora College and the Yellowknife Association of Seniors, as well as for several northern communities.

"I think the program is excellent and I'm spreading the word," said Joanne Erasmus, who had a computer refurbished for her daughter Sikiya.

"She will be able to use a computer at school and then come home and practice those skills on this computer."

Those eligible for a free computer include non-profit organizations, people with disabilities, the elderly, youth, the economically disadvantaged, aboriginal people, women and immigrants.

"I currently have 100 pending orders," Kanwal said.

"It's a lot of work but definitely worth it."