Promoting Digital Equity: Miaoli County Receives 69 Refurbished Computers for Schools and Social Welfare Centers

On July 23, the Miaoli County Government received a donation of 69 refurbished computers from the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Sunfair Computer Co., Ltd., KINYO Co., Ltd., Aoteng Technology Co., Ltd., and the Green Miracle Public Service Network Association. The equipment will be distributed by the Education Department and Social Affairs Department to 12 elementary schools—including Lulin, Wenshan, Zhuxing, Shanjiao, Zhuolan, Jiuhu, Toufen, Dongxing, Xiangbi, Xinkai, Nanhe, and Nanzhuang—and three social welfare centers in Dahu, Toufen, and Tongyuan districts.

County Magistrate Chung Tung-jin accepted the donation on behalf of the county and expressed gratitude to the charitable organizations and enterprises for their support. He emphasized that by reusing functional equipment, valuable resources are being redirected to those in greater need, promoting both digital equity and circular economy principles.

The donated equipment includes computer hosts, monitors, peripherals, genuine software licenses, and technical support for installation and maintenance. This initiative not only revitalizes idle or decommissioned IT assets but also benefits schools and underprivileged families by improving access to digital resources.

Chen Chi-ming, Senior Specialist at Tzu Chi Foundation, stated that the organization has been donating refurbished computers for five years, reaching Taiwan and 17 countries worldwide. Including this round, Tzu Chi has donated a total of 219 refurbished computers to Miaoli County. This joint effort with ITRI, Sunfair, KINYO, Aoteng Technology, and Green Miracle aims to sustainably expand the program, and the foundation welcomes future collaborations.

Magistrate Chung expressed heartfelt appreciation, sharing a personal story from childhood when his cousin gifted him an unused bicycle. That act of kindness, he recalled, brought him joy and lifelong memories, underscoring how impactful such gestures can be during times of need. He emphasized that redistributing usable items is not only resource-efficient but also a meaningful act of compassion.

Chung also highlighted ongoing collaborations with Tzu Chi, noting the recent completion of the Sanyi Tzu Chi Chinese Medicine Hospital and the upcoming county-operated long-term care and wellness facility in Tongluo, which will be managed by Tzu Chi. Additionally, a plot of land within the Miaoli Tzu Chi Campus is being evaluated for future social welfare development. Given its current underutilization as industrial land, the county aims to repurpose it to support elderly care and vulnerable populations. The goal is to reduce the caregiving burden on younger generations through partnerships with township governments and central agencies, ensuring timely and appropriate support for families in need.