What we do
What we do
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ZanmiLwen is an intermediate charity that collects donated computer systems and other supplies, reconditions and transfers them to academic and community-building organizations working to empower, stabilize and grow vulnerable populations in Haiti.
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How we do it
How we do it
ZL is supported by a deep network of collaborating organizations and individuals in Haiti who help identify and vet educational and community-facing organization ready to receive and use computer equipment. These organization may include schools, hospitals, community centers and other NGOs working to support the country's under-served populations. Target recipient organizations are thoroughly vetted for legitimacy and capacity to operate and make maximum use of the donated equipment.
State-side, ZL has a network of academic, corporate and individual partners who help identify and source computer and other equipment available and suitable to be repurposed. We then collect, upgrade and recondition the hardware and software as appropriate to support the target customer in Haiti.
Finally, we crate, ship and transfer control of the equipment to the target organization.
What does it cost?
What does it cost?
In 2025, it cost approximately $300* to get a computer from a donor in the U.S. to a classroom in Haiti. Done correctly, it is a multi-step process that can take several months. The process is briefly illustrated below. Each step has an associated cost.
1, 2 - ZL uses its network of university and corporate partners to locate suitable, de-commissioned computer equipment upgradable to a minimum standard of condition and capacity.
3 - Equipment is removed from donor facility and transported to ZL's facility. In many cases, data protection measures such as wiping or complete removal of hard drives are done on premise at the donor's site prior to removal.
4 - Parts needed to upgrade the system to ZL minimum standards and/or replace damaged components are procured (typically this includes, RAM, SSDs, wifi adapters, keyboards, mice, etc.)
5 - Systems are reconditioned and upgraded. This includes air-dusting, cleaning and upgrading or replacing internal components and external peripherals.
6 - A custom software configuration including O/S installation (Windows or Linux), network configuration, user configuration as well as installation of client-requested software is created and imaged to all computers. Each system undergoes a 2-hour operational stress test.
7, 8 - Donated equipment does not come with factory packaging. Yet the fragile cargo must endure trucking in the US, an extended time on a cargo ship and a potentially rough ride on unpaved roads in Haiti. All equipment is packaged in reinforced, double-walled boxes or wooden crates, stretch-wrapped for weather-resistance and fixed to a wooden pallet prior to transfer to a vetted shipping company or partner.
9,10 - The shipper handles the transport and transfer of the cargo to the client in Haiti.
*This average cost is highly variable and based on a lot size of 10 computers. Unit costs decrease with increasing lot size and increase as lot sizes decrease.
How can I help?
How can I help?
There are multiple avenues for individuals, corporations and other non-profits to collaborate with ZL.
Individuals can help connect ZL with organizations who regularly upgrade computer systems. Colleges and universities, in particular, regularly upgrade equipment in their computer labs. Identifying these opportunities and connecting them with ZL helps us procure the best available equipment for field placement.
Volunteers can also assist in the reconditioning and packaging of the equipment.
Corporations can donate equipment directly to ZL. You can find a list of the equipment we need here.
Corporate partners in the transportation and/or shipment industry can help greatly reduce shipment costs with in-kind services.
Other non-profits working in Haiti and outside of Haiti can help identify and vet target recipients.
Finally, individuals, foundations and corporations can support ZL with a financial gift in any amount to help defray operating costs. ZanmiLwen is a 501(c)(3) corporation. All contributions are tax deductible.
Need Equipment?
Need Equipment?
ZanmiLwen serves academic institutions and community-facing organizations in Haiti working to support the country's under-served populations. Candidate organizations are vetted for legitimacy, purpose, need and readiness. That is, the organization must 1) have a track record of successfully delivering services to the community (legitimacy) 2) have a clear, assessable objective for the requested equipment (purpose) 3) demonstrate a financial need for the requested assistance (need), and 4) have the personnel, space, electric, network and other infrastructures required to successfully carry out the stated objectives (readiness). In some cases, ZanmiLwen can serve as the bridge to the readiness criteria if all other criteria are satisfied.
If you would like to submit a request for equipment, we encourage you to contact us first with any questions that you may have. Our goal is to help you help Haiti. We are happy to start a conversation.
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