We are actively committed to digital inclusion in Ghent. Through a structured collaboration with local civil society organisations and District09, the digital partner of the City of Ghent, we make 500 written-off computers available every year. These devices are professionally 'refurbished' and donated to vulnerable families in Ghent.
"We believe in circularity not only within the production process but also in social initiatives. By using our IT infrastructure in a circular way, we not only offer a sustainable solution to digital exclusion, but we also contribute to an ecological approach to the use of materials," explains Kathy Van Hyfte, Head of Talent Management at ArcelorMittal Belgium.
While vulnerable families have relied on temporary subsidies for digital devices in recent years, this structural collaboration offers a lasting alternative. Thanks to the guaranteed annual influx of 'refurbished' computers, families who cannot afford their own device still gain access to digital resources.
The distribution of the computers is carried out in close collaboration with civil society organizations in Ghent. They ensure that the computers reach the right families and offer support in using them. They also refer people to training courses, offer technical assistance and guidance, and thus strengthen the digital skills and self-reliance of the target group. District09 coordinates the project and builds on insights gained from previous digital neighborhood projects.
This collaboration is a first in Flanders and illustrates how public-private partnerships can make a real difference. ArcelorMittal Belgium strongly believes in the power of collaboration and calls on other companies in Ghent to join forces in promoting digital inclusion.
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