Swedish association Barnens dator provides computers for free to children
The joy is unmistakable. Now he can play Roblox at home with his friends
The Föreningen Barnens dator [1] works to ensure that no child ends up outside society - and to contribute to save the environment. Now they are being praised as Sustainability Hero of the Year 2022 at the Swedish Heroes Gala [2] “One gets happy and proud of course, then it's not just us who made this possible but all those who have donated to us”, says Tobias Lelo who is one of the founders.
The non-profit association Barnens dator[3] in Örebro[4] accepts computers from companies and private individuals. Sometimes the machines work and sometimes they don't - and then they are repaired. The computers are then distributed to children who live in a family with scarce financial resources. “We are doing this for the environment, to reduce electronic waste and to reduce the digital exclusion of children”, says Daniel Moqvist, one of the founders of Barnens dator[5].
One of the children who received a computer through the organisation is Theo, who likes to play Roblox. “He is a good and happy fifteen-year-old boy. He has quite a few disabilities that make it a bit difficult in everyday life, so he can't take many other activities. For us, it means a lot that he should have the same opportunities as everyone else”, says Theo's mother Sabina Sundman.
"Sweden can do better"
It was two years ago that IT consultant Daniel Moqvist got the idea that he wanted to fix broken computers and donate them to children in need. Andreas Walldén and Mathias Ekemuhr had similar thoughts, and through a post on Facebook the three got in touch. Together, the three men started Barnens dator, which is run completely without interest in profit. After a while, a fourth volunteer joined – Tobias Lelo. He states that this is important for the children, so they can keep up with their friends even online. He urges more people to make an effort: ”Sweden can do better, we can take care of our stuff. Everyone can get along if we just help each other.”
Barnens dator consists of (from left): Tobias Lelo, Mathias Ekemuhr, Daniel Moqvist and Andreas Walldén
Single mothers get help
The four men work entirely voluntarily in their spare time. Through aid organisations, Children's computer has found families to distribute computers to. So far they have been able to help 113 children. “The majority of those we have donated computers to are single mothers. For a single mother, a computer is not the first priority, but it is food, rent, bills and other things”, says Andreas Walldén.
He says that they also helped another large group: namely, Ukrainian refugee children. “We have donated a large part of the computers we have received from the Elgiganten[6] to those children. They need the computer to be able to study and to be able to keep in touch with friends and relatives who are in different parts of Sweden or out in the world.”
Jumping for joy
The distribution itself is covered by Barnens dator themselves. “The absolute funniest thing is seeing the children when you bring the computer and they stand there and jump inside the door”, says Tobias Lelo. Andreas notes the same thing: “They jump and bounce as if it were Christmas Eve. They are so excited and happy so it is divine to see.”
Lotta Borg Skoglund, Docent & Senior Physician in Psychiatry, explains why the children's self-esteem and social development can be positively affected by the efforts that the Children's computer makes. ”Today, children and young people live in the "real reality" and in a digital reality, and if you don't have access to the digital reality, you end up falling behind”, she states.
Want to help retired people
Now Barnens dator is aiming for new heights. There are more people to help out in the country - and other groups that are in need. “Above all, we want to be able to receive and deliver computers throughout Sweden”, says Daniel. At the moment, Barnens dator is concentrated around Örebro and they receive no financial support, but the money used is taken from their own pockets, says Daniel. “There is a lot of transport and expensive petrol.”
They have also started looking at a collaboration with Seniornet. “There are seniors who cannot afford a computer and do not know how it works, they usually turn to Seniornet[7] for guidance. So we have a dialogue with them now, and I think it would be very pleasant to be able to run the "Senior's computer" as well”, says Daniel.
Source
Susanna Vidlund, Barnens dator ger datorer gratis till barn, in: Aftonbladet, 13-12-2022; https://www.aftonbladet.se/svenskahjaltar/a/Ll3Ll4/barnens-dator-ger-bort-gratis-datorer-till-barn
[1] Children's computer association
[2] On December 16, it's finally time for the Swedish heroes gala 2022. An evening where we celebrate together our everyday heroes around the country. Here is all the information you need about the heroes' gala 2022! https://www.aftonbladet.se/svenskahjaltar/a/gE6M2B/svenska-hjaltar-galan-se-hjaltegala-2022-tv-aftonbladet-tv4-artister
[3]It all started where two common goals were united. We came together just before Christmas at the end of the infamous year 2020. It all started with a Facebook post where we were looking for computers to give to kids to allow them to participate in online activities after school even if they couldn't afford to buy their own. https://www.barnensdator.se/vilka-ar-vi/
[4] Örebro is the sixth-largest city in Sweden, the seat of Örebro Municipality, and capital of the Örebro County. It is situated by the Närke Plain, near the lake Hjälmaren, a few kilometres inland along the small river Svartån, and has a population of approximately 126,000 in the city proper. It is one of the largest inland hubs of the country, and a major logistic and commercial operating site.
[5] https://www.aftonbladet.se/tagg/barnens-dator
[6] Elkjøp is the leading consumer electronics retailer in the Nordics. We mostly sell consumer electronics, mobile phones, computers, white goods, domestic appliances, kitchen (Epoq), and services linked to these products both directly to consumers and to businesses. We are an omnichannel retailer and serve our customers both online and through our more than 400 stores. The Group consist of around 11.000 engaged colleagues operating under the brands Elkjøp and Elkjøp Phonehouse in Norway, Elgiganten and Elgiganten Phonehouse in Sweden, Elgiganten in Denmark and Gigantti in Finland. Elko on Iceland, Elding on the Faroe Islands and Pisiffik on Greenland. https://elkjopnordic.com/what-we-do#about-elkjop
[7] SeniorNet Sweden is the national organisation in a network consisting of local associations around the country. Each local association has its own board and sets up study programs and other activities. The local associations offer support, practical support, education and, not least, a social community of interest. https://seniornet.se/om-seniornet-sweden-2/
