Arrow Electronics recognised for its DigiTruck African classroom project

Arrow Electronics walked away with honours in the Corporate Social Responsibility category at the PR Week 360 Global Awards in London. Arrow won for its DigiTruck project, which is helping to close the digital divide in Africa.

The DigiTruck is a mobile classroom or clinic that can operate off-grid in remote areas. Built from a refurbished 40-foot steel cargo container, it is triple insulated to protect against tropical heat and deter vandalism. Rooftop solar panels can power the unit for two days. Donated electronics from Arrow inside the DigiTruck include refurbished laptops, mobile devices and an LED flat-screen monitor. Arrow launched the DigiTruck program in Africa with its non-profit partner Close the Gap in 2015.

“At Arrow, we have the privilege of telling inspiring stories about how technology can transform people’s lives,” said Rich Kylberg, Arrow’s Global Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Communications. “We are honoured by this recognition from PR Week, and we dedicate this award to the children of the Tuleeni Orphanage, the recipients of the first Arrow DigiTruck in Africa, who continue to inspire us all.”

Arrow Electronics is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions. Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for more than 100,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of more than 460 locations serving over 85 countries.