Polis Postcard – Shawn Davis – Liberia – Computers for Empowerment

Polis Postcard – Shawn Davis – Liberia – Computers for Empowerment

Polis Postcards are written by locals who want to turn their ambitions into reality. They show potential investors the types of needs that are present in local communities and the topics that people are passionate about.  For more information about this project, contact us at polispostcards@resetweb.org

What is your background?

My name is Shawn Davis and my background is in business studies. I have a passion for education and for information technology in Liberia. Although computer literacy is very low, my experience is that those who become familiar with basic computer skills, as well as those who have access to the internet, hugely improve their chances to become employed or to successfully run a business. However, the purchase of equipment in Liberia is difficult due to import duties and transport costs.

Describe your project in 200 words

The business is called Computers for Empowerment. Together with a business partner, in 2012 we started buying up second-hand computers with help from remittances from the United States. Presently my business associate is in the USA, but since we used 90% of the funds to fund his trip to the US it is currently difficult to invest. When the business was running, we were into buying and selling used computers to home user and other institutions who are interested and business people. We also decided to introduce computers science in schools that did not have the financial power to equipped their school with computers. So our work in these schools were to setup computer labs and find qualified instructors to teach the students. We were able to do business in the last two years with two institutions here in Liberia which was very profitable. This business has benefited Liberians immensely.

What type of partner you are looking for?

When the business was running in 2012, students were able to get computer knowledge (able to use a computer and resource programs), and ordinary Liberians who could not afford to buy a brand new computer could contact us and get a used one for a much cheaper price. That is how our business has affected the lives of some Liberians. In fact more schools wanted to do business with us but the financial power was not available to buy more computers.

We are looking for a partner organisation who is willing to send 2nd hand computers to Liberia in return for a share of our profits.

Why should someone connect with you?

We have proven in the past that our project greatly influences the lives of the people that use our computers. Although it is difficult for us to run the business profitably in a distorted market, if partners are willing to sell their 2nd-hand computers below market value, their investment can have a social and financial impact at the same time.

For more information about this project, contact us at polispostcards@resetweb.org