Supporting Refugees Through Technology

At YFM Equity Partners, we believe in making a tangible difference in the communities where we work. As part of our ongoing commitment to social impact, we ensure that our old work laptops don’t go to waste. Instead, they are wiped, refurbished, and donated to charities where they can serve a meaningful purpose.

One such partnership is with Herts Welcomes Refugees, an incredible organisation supporting refugees and asylum seekers as they rebuild their lives in the UK. These laptops are making a real impact, helping individuals access education, employment, and essential services. Here are just a few of the ways they are changing lives:

• A young man from South Sudan, wrongly given a date of birth by the Home Office 12 years older than his actual age, turned 18 at Christmas and received his Leave to Remain in January. The laptop is now helping him with his English studies, job searches, and setting up his first bank account.
• An Iranian woman living in Stevenage, battling severe depression and Fibromyalgia, now has a device to access online mental health therapy. Unable to attend sessions in person, the laptop is allowing her to receive much-needed support from home.
• A 25-year-old Afghan man in Hertsmere is using his laptop for online training courses and job applications, helping him take the next steps towards employment in the UK.
• A Ukrainian woman with an economics degree is studying accountancy while also volunteering with Herts Welcomes Refugees as a bookkeeper. This experience will complement her studies and strengthen her CV as she works towards her UK qualifications.
• A Nigerian single mother in Broxbourne, who has been waiting over two years for her asylum claim to be resolved, received her Leave to Remain just as she was gifted her laptop. Now, she and her sons are using it for online courses to improve their education and future prospects.

These stories highlight the power of something as simple as a laptop. Whether it’s supporting education, enabling job searches, or providing access to essential services, technology plays a crucial role in empowering those rebuilding their lives in a new country.

We’re incredibly proud to support Herts Welcomes Refugees in their vital work and look forward to continuing our commitment to community-driven impact. A big thank you to our CFO, Marcus Karia for leading the charge on these donations and ensuring our retired devices find a meaningful second life.