In 2023 we helped as well: The generous cooperation of AfB Slovakia and Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia broke a new record

15.01.2024

Beginning of the year is the perfect time to look back on the previous one. In 2023, we had the exceptional opportunity to work with our partner, Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia, and together we achieved an amazing goal - we donated more than 600 refurbished laptops to various organizations, schools and civic associations.

AfB is a social enterprise that not only employs disabled employees, but also actively contributes to sustainability and inclusion. It refurbishes IT equipment such as laptops, computers, monitors and smartphones. It gives them a second life while offering job opportunities to those who would otherwise face great difficulties in the labour market.

Over the past year, thanks to our partner Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia, we have donated a total of 611 refurbished laptops on its behalf. These devices were distributed to 60 schools, civic associations and non-profit organizations. This is a record number that exceeded all our expectations and testifies to the strength and meaning of this unique cooperation.

Most of the donated devices went to schools. Dávid Mick, Chief Operating Officer of AfB Slovakia, confirmed that just like last year, quality hardware is not a "given" for many educational institutions. "Thanks to our cooperation and help, the situation has improved in, at least, a few schools. Quality refurbished laptops have provided schools with a tool to support modern education."

Education is also a particularly important topic for Martin Džbor, Strategy & Technology Officer at Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia, who has taken the closely related area of hardware donation under his wing, in addition to many other topics dealing with cooperation with communities and regions. "At Deutsche Telekom, we want to be market leaders not only in digital solutions, but also in supporting the digitalization of the wider economy and society. I am proud that by working with AfB we can simultaneously fulfil two of our great ambitions - to help more than 30 schools and organisations to improve their digital standards and subsequently offer hundreds of pupils and students new classrooms to develop their digital skills, while, at the same time, making a concrete contribution to the topic of the environment, ecology, recycling or inclusion in this way."

Marek Antoňák, CEO of AfB, expressed his pride and joy in participating in a project that delivers real-time aid. "It is very important to have a partner like Deutsche Telekom that is committed and trying to help on multiple fronts to improve life in Slovakia. The year 2023 was a significant milestone for us at AfB. We donated more devices than ever before, and we did it with a partner who is truly close to us and shares our values. The importance of this collaboration is further deepened by the fact that we are a social enterprise ourselves. The help we provide is not limited to the organisations we donate to, but also touches us. Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions supports not only inclusion but also environmental protection, which are the core values on which AfB Slovakia stands. In this way, we owe them a huge thank you for their commitment and support," added Marek Antoňák.

The Christmas season reminded us not only of generosity in the form of donations, but also of the importance of solidarity and helping those in need. The joint effort of AfB Slovakia and Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions is an example of how corporate synergy can create a positive impact on society.

May this spirit of joy and generosity spread not only during the Christmas season, but serve as an inspiration to us throughout the year. At AfB Slovakia, we believe that even in small gestures there is great power for a change. We wish all our partners, employees, and all those who share this vision with us all the best in 2024!