Founding of Connect.ED
Connect.ED was founded in 2020 by 5 aspiring youths striving to bridge the digital divide in Malaysia. It was founded during the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) programme developed by McKinsey & Co., a worldwide-known management consulting firm. Upon completing the programme, Connect.ED was awarded a RM1,500 grant to continue its efforts to bridge the digital divide in Malaysia
Connect.ED's Aim
Connect.ED is committed to providing digital devices to B40 students in Malaysia. Since Covid-19 hit Malaysia in March 2020, the transition to virtual learning was unconventional for Malaysian schools and a massive challenge for low-income students without e-learning devices at home. In 2020, the Ministry of Education found that 36.9% Malaysian students do not have technological devices.
Connect.ED's Solution
Connect.ED provides refurbished second-hand devices to B40 students in Malaysia, allowing students to access online classes and upskill themselves for the digital era. Besides, Connect.ED aims to deliver an environmentally sustainable impact by encouraging donations of second-hand devices (e.g. laptops, desktops, tablets) and accessories (e.g. mouse, keyboards, earphones) from the general public, corporates, and other organisations
Connect.ED's Impact
Connect.ED's primary focus is to aid underprivileged B40 students' digital education by providing a digital device within Klang Valley. However, we also acknowledge the importance of digital upskilling, not only digital device provision. Our long-term mission is to equip all students across Malaysia with the means to quality digital education and improve digital literacy. As such, Connect.ED provides workshops for our B40 student beneficiaries by equipping them with digital skills in Google Slides, Google Sheets, and graphic design
Sustainable Development Goals
Connect.ED supports the following SDGs
Quality Education
Connect.ED's efforts in providing B40 students with refurbished devices will enable them to learn online and excel in their educational journey Furthermore, B40 student recipients also participate in digital and general educational workshops conducted by Connect.ED team
Responsible Consumption and Production
Connect.ED practices the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), where we reuse existing, workable, second-hand devices. We collect second-hand devices from the general public, corporate partners, and other organizations before refurbishing and repairing them to turn them into functional devices for B40 students When devices are deemed unrepairable, Connect.ED disposes of and recycles them ethically by sending them to our e-waste recycling partner, reducing the pollution that could result from irresponsible device disposal
