Project: Third Life Cycle for Laptops

Funded by: Œuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte

Duration: ~6 months (second half of 2026)

Introduction

In this project we refurbish laptops that are too old for Windows 11 — including devices we have exchanged for newer ones for our beneficiaries (cf. https://digital-inclusion.lu/return-obsolete-computer/). For this “third life cycle,” we install Linux, which runs very well on these machines and supports everyday tools such as Chrome, MS Teams and OpenOffice.

This project is fully complementary to our existing, government-funded mission: we will continue refurbishing Windows 11 and macOS laptops for people in need in Luxembourg. The “Third Life Cycle” laptops will be made available to social non-profits in Luxembourg, as well as selected social projects in the Greater Region and development-aid projects.

How this project complements our main mission

The “Third Life Cycle” project is time-limited and designed to be fully complementary to our ongoing, conventioned work with the Ministry of Family Affairs. In that mission, we refurbish laptops that are Windows 11 / macOS compatible and distribute them exclusively to households in need and to refugees in Luxembourg (DPI/BPT). In most cases, this is the second life cycle of the device.

The Linux laptops are refurbished in separate workshops, run in parallel to our Volunteer Learning Program (VLP). This allows us to involve more volunteers, including company volunteers, without reducing the number of seats in our VLP — which has been fully booked for years.

How to apply for Linux laptops from this project

We provide these laptops to three types of non-profit partners:

  1. Luxembourg ASBLs doing social work This is part of our existing program (previously focused on desktop computers). Under this project, ASBLs can now apply for up to 3 Linux laptops per organisation. These laptops are intended for internal use within the ASBL.
  2. Non-profits and institutions in the Greater Region Organisations in the Greater Region can apply for Linux laptops, including the possibility to distribute them to people in need who live in that region (outside Luxembourg).
  3. Luxembourg-based development-aid projects (Africa / other developing countries) These projects can apply for Linux laptops for use in their aid work. In addition, we offer an option to take back the laptops to Luxembourg (or ensure another documented recycling channel) once they become obsolete, and replace them with newer devices.

For this pathway, we are looking for partners who can manage the follow-up with us, including verification of intended use (compliance).

Contact: thirdlifecycle@digital-inclusion.lu