REFURBISHED computers have been donated to Cam’s GL11 Community Hub to enable it to continue offering its workshops and training courses.

Sixteen machines were donated to the centre by Cheltenham-based IT Schools Africa, saving the charity an estimated £20,000 outlay on a much-needed upgrade.

Computers are vital to the running of several of the centre’s regular courses, including its IT training and careers workshops.

Indigo Redfern, manager at GL11 Community Hub, said: ‘This donation came at a very crucial time for us here at GL11 Community Hub.

“Our computer suite was in desperate need of an update but we were looking at costs of up to £20,000 to replace the lot.

“Over 100 people a week use our IT suite and we can’t thank IT Schools Africa enough.”

Despite its name, IT Schools Africa supports organisations in the UK which offer employment and training programmes on top of its work providing equipment to schools in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Jenny Evans, donations and marketing coordinator for the charity, said: “We are delighted to donate refurbished computers for their computer training room, giving local people the chance to learn new computer skills.”

IT Schools Africa has donated over 50,000 computers to schools in Africa, supporting three million children.

As well as its computer training and employment programmes, GL11 also offers a range of activities from toddler groups and book clubs to hosting yoga sessions and a choir.