Dutch government donates refurbished laptops to low-income households

The Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations has launched a long-term initiative to provide refurbished laptops to low-income households. The program involves purchasing used laptops from various ministries, refurbishing them, and donating them to people who cannot afford such devices. During a gathering in Leiden, State Secretary for Digitalisation Eddie van Marum handed over the first laptop, marking the official start of the initiative. Over the coming years, tens of thousands of laptops will be refurbished and donated.

Bridging the digital divide

According to Van Marum, the program is designed to reduce inequality in an increasingly digital society. “Not everyone can keep up with our rapidly digitising society,” he said. “People with lower incomes sometimes cannot afford a computer or laptop. If we do nothing, inequality will only grow. That is why I am proud that we are starting to donate refurbished work laptops to those who need them most but cannot pay for them themselves.”

Skills as important as devices

Possessing a laptop is just one part of digital inclusion. Equally vital is knowing how to use it. While more Dutch citizens are acquiring digital skills, 17% of the population still lacked basic digital skills in 2023. To address this gap, the government supports several initiatives. Information Points for Digital Government (IDO), often located in libraries, offer free assistance with online government services. Additionally, the Digihulplijn, a free national helpline, helps people with questions about computers, e-readers, mobile phones, and internet use.

Giving devices a second life

The project is being carried out by the foundation Allemaal Digitaal. Devices no longer used by ministries are thoroughly cleaned and refurbished before being distributed through social organisations such as libraries and welfare institutions. These organisations then ensure the laptops reach people who need them most. The project is guaranteed to run until 2030. As more ministries make their unused devices available, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations will be able to acquire and donate additional laptops, expanding the impact of the program.