In 2024, we partnered with Emmaüs Connect through the LaCollecte.Tech project to combat digital exclusion in France by donating refurbished digital equipment. A total of 113 devices (63 smartphones and 50 laptops) were provided to beneficiaries, thanks to the support of STMicroelectronics, our founding company, and its employees.
Activiteil’s workers reconditioned the smartphones, which were distributed primarily to homeless individuals in Lyon and Grenoble through Emmaüs Connect.
For the second consecutive year, we also donated 50 PCs to Emmaüs Connect to support their project aimed at job seekers, “Pathway to Digital Autonomy,” in collaboration with France Travail. The PCs were used during 50 hours of adults training sessions, after which participants received the laptops as donations to aid their future careers and integration into the workforce. The devices were reconditioned or recycled by Tri Rhones-Alpes, a professional integration workshop.
In addition to bridging the digital divide by providing devices to those in need, this initiative creates employment in companies within the social and solidarity economy. It also avoided 14 tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to the absorption capacity of 560 trees in a year – a small yet significant contribution.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with ST Foundation in this impactful initiative. The donation of refurbished digital equipment is a vital step in our mission to combat digital exclusion. By providing technology to those who need it most, we are not only enhancing digital access but also promoting environmental sustainability. This collaboration exemplifies how joint efforts can lead to meaningful change, and we look forward to continuing this journey together,” said Flora Graioni, Regional Director at Emmaüs Connect.
Looking ahead, we aim to continue donating equipment as part of our annual plans while acting as ambassadors to encourage our partners to donate as well. The partnership with Emmaüs Connect has been renewed for 2025, and already 90 individuals have benefited from it.