- Today it is not possible to manufacture mobiles without coltan. 80% of the global reserves of this mineral are in Congo (Africa) and all of them are under the control of armed groups, which has caused millions of deaths in the last two decades. In fact, the technological revolution experienced by the developed countries would have been impossible if they had not achieved the coltan of the Congo. The Jolas eta Ekin association, together with the students of the IES Uribe Kosta, has launched a collection of mobiles in Plentzia to sensitize the students about the conflict and educate critical, innovative and solidary people.
“We want to sensitize the population about the connection of mobiles, tablets and computers with the war in eastern Congo, as well as to develop the skills and abilities of students,” explains Ivan Barrio, a member of Jolas eta Ekin. “We should not let so many people explode in the mines and the workers be at the service of armed groups, then those blood-stained minerals come into our hands hidden in our mobiles,” he added.
In the Congo, more than five million people have died in the last two decades and four million have been forced to leave their homes as a result of the conflict called “The War on Minerals in the Congo”. In addition, 100,000 women have been raped and children have been forced to become soldiers, according to the same sources. Neighborhood expects the gesture to be “small but influential”. In addition, he pointed out that challenges such as resource scarcity, the exploitation of nature, armed conflicts or the growth of racism must be “addressed” in today’s society.
The collection of mobiles has been organized by 2nd ESO students from IES Uribe Kosta. The initiative will run until 31 May in Plentzia and the equipment will be deposited in the Batela bar, the City Hall and the Gerezi Gozoki Shop.
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