T4SI - also known as Technology for Solomon Islands - is a group of like minded people, based in Australia, who are passionate about improving access to digital technology for schools in the Solomon Islands. T4SI is registered as a charity in Australia, and all work carried out is not for profit.

Our idea for starting T4SI came about from watching a lot of still usable computer equipment being sent to e-waste and knowing, from our long association with the Solomon Islands, that it could be refurbished and made available to schools in the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands has excellent Internet access, but the majority of people only use mobile phones for Internet connectivity. The vast majority of schools in the Solomon Islands do not have access to laptop or desktop computers, thereby limiting the ability for students to develop their desktop digital skills. T4SI aims to be a major player in changing this paradigm.

Our aims are to:

• source computer equipment in Australia (usually just out of warranty)

• refurbish and test computer equipment

• supply computer equipment to schools in the Solomon Islands

• provide training and technology support for the use of computer equipment

• In early January, 2025, T4SI will be in Gizo, Solomon Islands, donating 10 refurbished laptops to a Gizo school, and carrying out a post implementation review of the previous St Joseph's project.

• Our pilot project in July this year (2024), whereby we donated 30 refurbished laptops to St Joseph's Catholic Secondary School Tenaru (Honiara) went smoothly, and demonstrated that we can deliver!

• Our charity, T4SI, has been officially registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission, and has also gained charity tax concession status with the Australian Tax Office. 

• T4SI has established our computer refurbishment space (also known as "The Shed") and has completed our first stage of equipment acquisition, refurbishment, and testing. We have engaged with stakeholders in the Solomon Islands (including the Catholic education sector and the Department of Education), with the aim of initiating our first school project in mid-2024.