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Learning Light e-learning programme helps protect the environment and e-waste workers in Nigeria

Sheffield, UKLearning NewsLearning Light

An e-learning programme developed by Learning Light and demonstrated via workshops run by staff at the University of Northampton is helping people in Nigeria to recycle electrical and electronic waste.

Learning Light, a company limited by guarantee which focuses on promoting the use of e- learning and learning technologies, developed the e-learning materials covering various aspects of waste recycling operations and had piloted them successfully in the UK. The e-learning programmes, which deal with disassembling electrical equipment, from sewing machines to LCD televisions in the most environmentally-friendly way, concentrate on the requirements of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive).

Those who complete these e-learning programmes have the knowledge and skills to disassemble electrical equipment – such as old personal computers – and break down this equipment into its constituent parts. These parts can then be recycled and, depending on the costs of copper, plastic and so on, can produce an income for the ‘disassembler’.

“This programme is not only playing a part in giving learners valuable skills which can earn them an income, but it is helping to train more people to adopt a more environmentally friendly approach to disposing of electronic and electrical waste,” said Learning Light’s operations director, David Patterson.

Having heard about these e-learning materials, Margret Bates, from Northampton’s School of Science and Technology, contacted Learning Light to incorporate these materials in a series of workshops which University of Northampton staff were running for e-waste workers in Nigeria, on the hazards of their work.

This project was conducted in partnership with the Basel Convention Regional Coordinating Centre for Africa, at the Nigerian University of Ibadan. The two year project has gained funding from the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills through the British Council.

According to Margret Bates, from Northampton’s School of Science and Technology, Nigeria is fast becoming a digital dump for electronic wastes in the form of old computers, TV sets, second-hand mobile phones and other discarded items from Europe and the USA. This is toxic waste since it contains hazardous substances which are harmful to both people and the environment.

Learning Light’s Patterson, added: “Hundreds of people make their living from looking for precious metal components for recycling within the e-waste, burning the waste to get to them and this releases carcinogenic substances. They are literally killing themselves to get to the ’usable‘ bits from the e-waste.

“So, on a number of levels, we feel that it’s important to contribute to these workshops. Not only can we train these e-waste workers how to dismantle this equipment at minimum risk to themselves but we can also reduce the amount of this waste going to landfill and improve recovery and recycling rates – thus helping the environment.”

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