Technology is usually to blame for environmental problems and for promoting
social detachment, being in the heart of the technology, is it possible for IT
operations to be more social, is it possible for IT departments to contribute to social and environmental
projects?
Although, IT departments have always been the leader for productivity, we
think, we still could find room to improve our services and help contributing
to social initiatives without compromising the service quality. Other than
participating to the global projects and programs, we think by acting smart and
making minor adjustments we can consume less, help reducing our carbon
footprint locally and contribute to the society more.
IT departments contributes substantially in many green initiatives within
corporations, such as paper reduction campaigns, energy conversation
projects, promoting communication projects to reduce business travels and
involving heavily in recycle & reuse projects.
Not only we “think green” for such activities, but also as IT
teams, we take parts on socially responsible activities. We have been
getting in touch with vocational schools in the vicinity to make a difference
for the students in these schools. We provide a workplace experience for the
students in such vocational schools. For students who are studying in
computer science, programming and electronics, it is at upmost importance to
find a workplace to put their learning at use. Not only, we provide a workplace
experience for these students but also we involve them in IT projects to
increase their take from this experience.
Furthermore, IT departments usually provide many training opportunities. Corporations consist of both well-educated, experienced staff and junior and not well equipped staff. One of IT departments' aim to bring everyone at an average level of understanding the technology and increase everyone's level of computer literacy. We provide many training opportunities to those that are not very well equipped with all the skills and qualification for their career targets. Without the required computer skills, many people cannot reach their career targets. We believe by helping them the break this barrier, IT departments play an important role in people's development and reaching their career goals.
Every year, number of personal computer systems retired or no longer needed
by IT departments. While these are not the most powerful computers, they are
still very useful for teaching basic computer skills. We refurbish these
computers, remove all software licenses from them and reinstall free software
licenses. After completing the installation and testing, we donate the
equipment free of charge to eligible schools that are truly in need. This
donation program has helped bring access to computer technology to many
students. We are proud of these efforts that help create and foster foundations
for enhanced learning. We will continue to donate such
equipment to the schools and other educational nonprofit organizations in
need.
We believe that environmental and social problems will not go away
overnight by itself, all of us have to make collective efforts, we have to
think smart to find more ways to be sustainable and increase our involvement in
social initiatives.
We always have to keep in mind that the small details make the difference.
Vedat YOZKAT
