ICT for development charity Computer Aid International has appointed David Barker as its new Chief Executive Officer. David has previously been CEO or Director of four not-for-profit organisations: the Royal Academy of Arts, the Childrens’ Trust, Practical Action and CABA. He has also worked at two international banks and was previously a captain in the army.
Sara Williams, Computer Aid’s chair said “We are delighted David has joined Computer Aid, he brings with him a wealth of experience to help drive Computer Aid forward and build on its previous successes. We’re very proud of what Computer Aid has achieved so far and we look forward to working with David to continue our work”
Computer Aid International is a leading non-profit provider of ICT for development having professionally provided refurbished over 175,000 PCs and laptops for use in schools, hospitals and community projects in more than 100 countries such as Rwanda, Chile and Zambia.
The charity aims to reduce poverty through practical ICT solutions and it has recently begun working on a number of new and exciting projects. In 2010 Computer Aid launched its first solar powered internet café. The café consists of a standard shipping container which converts into a fully functional internet café and can be used by rural communities anywhere in the world. No mains electricity or wired connectivity are needed. To function, it only requires power from the sun and the internet access is acquired through cellular data connection, wifi or VSAT. Computer Aid has so far shipped two to Zambia and one to Kenya and the charity is currently seeking corporate support to ship more in 2011.
David Barker replaces Tony Roberts, who as well as being Computer Aid’s CEO, founded the organisation 14 years ago. Tony has left the charity to pursue a PHD in ICT for development.
To find out more about donating computers to Computer Aid International or supporting the charity in other ways please visit www.computeraid.org. You can follow Computer Aid on twitter for regular updates on its work
I look forward to working with David Barker. I have worked with Tony before and he has provided us with the much needed support for Zimbabwe.