Learning Light e-learning programme helps protect the environment and e-waste workers in Nigeria

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND, October 20, 2010 (Press-News.org) An e-learning programme developed by Learning Light and demonstrated via workshops run by staff at the University of Northampton is helping people in Nigeria to recycle electrical and electronic waste.

Learning Light, a company limited by guarantee which focuses on promoting the use of e- learning and learning technologies, developed the e-learning materials covering various aspects of waste recycling operations and had piloted them successfully in the UK. The e-learning programmes, which deal with disassembling electrical equipment, from sewing machines to LCD televisions in the most environmentally-friendly way, concentrate on the requirements of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive).

Those who complete these e-learning programmes have the knowledge and skills to disassemble electrical equipment - such as old personal computers - and break down this equipment into its constituent parts. These parts can then be recycled and, depending on the costs of copper, plastic and so on, can produce an income for the 'disassembler'.

"This programme is not only playing a part in giving learners valuable skills which can earn them an income, but it is helping to train more people to adopt a more environmentally friendly approach to disposing of electronic and electrical waste," said Learning Light's operations director, David Patterson.

Having heard about these e-learning materials, Margret Bates, from Northampton's School of Science and Technology, contacted Learning Light to incorporate these materials in a series of workshops which University of Northampton staff were running for e-waste workers in Nigeria, on the hazards of their work.

This project was conducted in partnership with the Basel Convention Regional Coordinating Centre for Africa, at the Nigerian University of Ibadan. The two year project has gained funding from the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills through the British Council.

According to Margret Bates, from Northampton's School of Science and Technology, Nigeria is fast becoming a digital dump for electronic wastes in the form of old computers, TV sets, second-hand mobile phones and other discarded items from Europe and the USA. This is toxic waste since it contains hazardous substances which are harmful to both people and the environment.

Learning Light's Patterson, added: "Hundreds of people make their living from looking for precious metal components for recycling within the e-waste, burning the waste to get to them and this releases carcinogenic substances. They are literally killing themselves to get to the 'usable' bits from the e-waste.

"So, on a number of levels, we feel that it's important to contribute to these workshops. Not only can we train these e-waste workers how to dismantle this equipment at minimum risk to themselves but we can also reduce the amount of this waste going to landfill and improve recovery and recycling rates - thus helping the environment."

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Notes for Editors
About The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive)

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) was introduced in January 2007. The Directive aims to reduce the amount of electrical and electronic equipment being produced and to encourage everyone to reuse, recycle and recover it. The Directive also aims to improve the environmental performance of businesses that manufacture, supply, use, recycle and recover electrical and electronic equipment.

Electrical and electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the UK. Some 1.8m tonnes of this waste are generated every year. The WEEE Regulations aim to reduce the amount of this waste going to landfill and improve recovery and recycling rates.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations apply to electrical and electronic equipment with a voltage of up to 1000 volts for alternating current or up to 1500 volts for direct current and cover: large household appliances; small household appliances; IT and telecommunications equipment; consumer equipment; lighting equipment; electrical and electronic tools; toys, leisure and sports equipment; medical devices; monitoring and control equipment, and automatic dispensers.
About Learning Light Ltd
Sheffield-based Learning Light is a centre of excellence in the use of e-learning and learning technologies in the workplace. Its knowledge base contains over 400 papers offering insights and advice on how to use e-learning & learning technologies.

Learning Light, which operates http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk one of the leading resources on e-learning in the UK, works closely with the Universities of Leeds and Sheffield and has undertaken a Systematic Literature Review of the available papers on the effective use of e-learning in conjunction with the University of Sheffield.
Learning Light occupies a unique space in the e-learning and learning technology sector networking with:
• Suppliers of e-learning and learning technologies to support the growth of the sector
• Buyers seeking out learning technology solutions to improve the effectiveness of their business or organisation
• Leading organisations worldwide who provide it with market knowledge from around the globe
It:
• Provides unbiased and impartial advice to both suppliers and buyers
• Hosts events and workshops that provide the platforms to impart and gain knowledge by encouraging collaboration and sharing of best practice
• Acts as a conduit between suppliers and buyers to forge successful business partnerships
• Provides market intelligence and benchmarking information gained from its many contacts and networking partners
• Provides access to research materials from leading learning technology professionals
Further information from:

David Patterson/ Gill Broadhead, Learning Light, +44 (0)114 223 2442
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, +44 (0)1727 860405

Bob Little Press & PR specialises in providing business-to-business public relations (PR) services. We are committed to:
• Providing a personal service to our clients, taking time to understand each client's specific business goals and strategy - while also bearing in mind that the most successful PR people don't try to solve their client's problems. They try to help editors solve their readers' problems.
• Ensuring that our clients' messages are presented in the most effective way through the most effective and cost efficient channels. You might say that 'we tell the truth as you would want it told'.
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