In Tanzania, hospitals often face a shortage of medical and technical resources. While in the Netherlands, old computers and network equipment often remain unused, in East Africa they can make a real difference. A group of passionate volunteers from the Netherlands has been working towards this for years. Through their foundation, MWika, they bring discarded IT equipment to hospitals in Tanzania, where it is welcomed with open arms.

Who are these volunteers?

The group consists of enthusiastic Dutch people with a passion for healthcare and technology. One of them says:
‘I was born in Friesland and now live in Drenthe. Together with others, we are involved in an MWika that gives discarded ICT equipment from the Netherlands a second life in Tanzania. We have been doing this for eight years now.’

The foundation is called MWika, a name that is not only easy to remember but also has meaning. It is an abbreviation of Swahili words related to ICT and Africa. Coincidentally, it also refers to a region near their project location. ‘We only discovered that later,’ laughs one of the volunteers. ‘But it fits perfectly.’

Why is this assistance required?

In Tanzania, good ICT infrastructure is not a given. ‘They have virtually nothing in terms of IT,’ says one volunteer. ‘Whereas we have everything in the Netherlands and even throw a lot away, they can make enormous strides with the same resources.’

The foundation focuses on supporting hospitals with equipment such as computers, network components and peripherals. ‘We want to raise the standard bit by bit,’ says one of the people involved. ‘Not only with equipment, but also by training people there.’

Collaboration with hospitals

The foundation collaborates with the KCMC (Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre) in Moshi, one of the largest hospitals in Tanzania. Other hospitals in the region also receive support. A total of eight to nine hospitals are already involved in the project.

The collaboration goes beyond simply supplying materials. Dutch volunteers travel to Tanzania annually to spend a week supporting installation, maintenance, and training. A team of six to eight people makes the trip and stays in a special guest house on the hospital grounds.

“At first, the accommodation was barely habitable,” one of them recalls. “But thanks to Dutch support and help from other foundations, we renovated it. It’s now become a modest ‘Dutch House.’ Not a five-star hotel, but comfortable enough for a week’s work.”

Train, support and connect

The focus is not only on technology, but also on transferring knowledge. ‘We work closely with local IT professionals and hospital staff,’ says one volunteer. ‘This ensures that they can continue independently once we have left.’

In addition, there are collaborations with Dutch hospitals such as ZGT (Ziekenhuisgroep Twente), which also provides the necessary knowledge. ‘It’s about more than computers. Departments such as orthopaedics, oral surgery and intensive care are also supported with expertise and materials.’

More than just technology

The project is not only practical, but also inspiring. “It’s rewarding work,” says one of the participants. “You really see a difference. And the best part is: everyone does it voluntarily, out of passion and commitment.”

At the end of the interview, gratitude is expressed on both sides. “We do it with love,” they conclude. “It’s a small effort for us, but it makes a big difference for the people there.”

Would you like to know more about this foundation or contribute yourself? Please contact the MWika Foundation and discover how your old laptop or network device can be given a new lease of life at the foot of Kilimanjaro.