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We’re in the throes of a digital revolution. Yet, for millions, the gates remain firmly shut. Imagine a world where technology isn’t just a privilege for the few, but a right for all. 

Human-I-T, alongside Cisco, is on the frontline of this battle, transforming discarded tech into lifelines of opportunity. 

But why does it matter? And how are we championing change in an age of digital disparity? 

Dive in and discover the urgency, the ambition, and the shared mission that’s redefining our digital era.

Table of Contents

Celebrating A New Horizon with Cisco

In our ongoing quest to bridge the digital divide, partnerships play an invaluable role. And this year, we’re proud to mark a significant chapter in our collaboration with Cisco investment. This support isn’t just a collection of funds; it’s an affirmation of our organizations’ joint commitment to making the digital world accessible to all.

Rewinding to 2020, when our partnership with Cisco began, we can now view it as the beginning of a symbiotic relationship built on mutual respect and shared goals. As we’ve journeyed together, our collaboration has deepened, echoing our collective mission to use technology as a tool for cultivating social equity. 

With Cisco by our side, we’re not just looking at the tangible outcomes; we’re envisioning a future where technology serves as an equalizer, leveling the playing field for all. And as we embrace this vision, we’re reminded that when organizations with shared values come together, the potential for positive change is boundless.

Human-I-T and Cisco’s Shared Vision for Digital Equity

In the vast digital landscape that we navigate, Human-I-T and Cisco stand united, fueled by a shared purpose: ensuring technology acts as an instrument of inclusion. Yet, in the backdrop of our digital advancements, lies an escalating environmental challenge – e-waste.

The statistics are staggering. In 2021, the world generated an alarming 57.4 million metric tons of e-waste, with a mere 17.4% being properly recycled. The environmental and health hazards posed by this growing mound of discarded technology are immense, affecting air, soil, and water quality, and leading to serious health issues for those living near e-waste sites.

While countries like China, the US, and India top the production charts, a mere 17% of this waste is known to be properly recycled. As the e-waste market surges, projected to reach a value of USD 160.2 billion by 2032, the environmental and health implications are profound.

Amidst this escalating crisis, Human-I-T, supported by Cisco’s technological expertise, sees a path to transformative change. We’re not just looking to recycle e-waste; we’re striving to repurpose and rejuvenate technology for a noble cause – education. Our focus is turning this e-waste into a resource, channeling refurbished devices directly into classrooms in cities like Detroit and Los Angeles, where the digital divide is most acute amongst young people from marginalized communities.

This joint initiative goes beyond environmental stewardship. It’s about creating a future where technology in education is not a luxury, but a given. By placing these devices in classrooms, we’re opening doors to endless possibilities for students, providing them with the tools they need to learn, grow, and compete in a digital world.

Through this partnership with Cisco, Human-I-T aims to significantly increase our footprint in the e-waste industry, not for market control, but for maximizing educational impact. Through this partnership, we’re harnessing innovative solutions to not only manage e-waste more effectively but to turn these potential wastes into wellsprings of knowledge and opportunity.

The Three-Letter Lynchpin

In the fight against the digital divide, every action, every partnership, and every innovation counts. It’s the collective efforts that lead to monumental change. Cisco’s investment is not just a financial boost—it’s an empowerment tool, allowing us to leverage technology in ways that amplify our reach and deepen our impact. At the heart of this endeavor lies the Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) system.

The ERP is a beacon of transformation for our operations. It promises a holistic approach to managing resources, ensuring that from the moment a device is picked up from a donor, it’s tracked meticulously until it finds its way into the hands of a student ready to harness its power for learning. This seamless tracking is not just about operational efficiency; it’s about ensuring that every device reaches its maximum potential in bridging the educational digital divide.

For our donors and partners, the ERP system offers unparalleled transparency. Through a streamlined portal, donors can monitor the journey of their contributions, tracking their impact on students and communities. They can see how their donated devices are refurbished, equipped with educational software, and delivered to students in need. This enhanced visibility fosters a deeper connection between our mission and the individuals and organizations that support it.

The automation capabilities of the ERP system, facilitated by Cisco’s investment, are game-changers. They allow for swift scheduling of pickups, efficient inventory management, and expedited device refurbishment. And for students, this means quicker access to the digital tools they require for their education. With the ERP in place, we’re poised to grow our e-waste intake by 10-30% YoY over the next five years, translating to thousands more devices in the hands of students.

Our partnership with Cisco is more than just a collaboration; it’s a shared vision of using technology as a force for good. Their support enables us to take significant leaps in our mission, ensuring that students, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds, have the digital resources to thrive in today’s educational landscape. The ERP system is not just an operational tool; it’s a promise—a promise of a brighter, more inclusive digital future for students everywhere.

Towards Digital Equity: A Human-I-T and Cisco Collaboration

The digital age we live in is brimming with potential, yet there are many who remain on the peripheries, unable to tap into the opportunities technology offers. At Human-I-T, we are dedicated to narrowing this gap, but it’s partnerships like the one we have with Cisco that amplify our efforts and bring us closer to achieving our goals.

Cisco, a global leader in business technology, shares our fervor for digital inclusivity. Their commitment goes beyond financial contributions; it’s about a shared ethos, a common vision. Our collaboration is built on the foundation of leveraging technology to empower communities, ensure equity, and bridge divides. Together, we’re not just aiming to provide devices or enhance operational efficiency—we’re working towards a world where everyone, regardless of their background, can harness the digital age’s full potential.

Our journey, fueled by Cisco’s unwavering support, has been transformative. From scaling our operations to directly impacting the lives of countless students, the milestones we’ve achieved are testament to the power of collective effort.

But the path forward is not one we walk alone. We invite you, our readers and supporters, to join us in this endeavor. Stay updated with our progress, share our stories, and be part of this movement towards a more digitally inclusive future. 

Every step we take, every milestone we achieve, is a testament to the strength of our community and the shared belief that technology should be an equalizer, a bridge, and a beacon of hope for all.

Lo Terry

About Lo Terry