Questions people ask about CAFFE

If something is not answered here, email luke@caffebd.org and a trustee will reply.

What is CAFFE?

CAFFE — Computers Are Free For Everyone — is a registered charity in England & Wales (charity number 1147000, company number 7978453) that runs a free after-school centre in Sylhet, Bangladesh. It has taught 2,000 students since 2011.

Where is CAFFE based?

The centre is in Sylhet, Bangladesh, where all 4 members of staff work. The charity is registered in the UK at 4 The Pyghtle, Westoning, MK45 5LJ.

What does CAFFE teach?

CAFFE teaches computer skills — coding, game development, web and app building — as well as graphic design in 2D and 3D, swimming, and cooking. Game development is the flagship: students have published games on itch.io and the Google Play Store, and entered international game jams.

Does CAFFE teach swimming?

Yes. CAFFE has its own teaching pool in the grounds of the centre — the Frank F. Pinkerton Pool, opened in 2023. 60 students have learned to swim in it so far. Around 14,000 children drown in Bangladesh every year (UNICEF, July 2022), so swimming is taught as a life-saving skill rather than a sport.

How much do the classes cost to attend?

Nothing. Every class at CAFFE is free, and every family that wants a place gets one. The charity exists so that young people from low-income households can learn skills their families could never pay for.

How many students does CAFFE teach?

About 100 students attend the centre at present, and 2,000 have been taught over 15 years.

How much does it cost to run CAFFE?

£900 a month runs the centre in Sylhet: £600 in staff salaries, £180 in electricity, gas and internet, £50 in class and cooking materials, £40 in pool maintenance and £30 in transport. UK costs add a further £600 a month, so £1,500 covers the whole charity.

How is CAFFE funded?

About 75% of income comes from volunteer-run pop-up sales of new and sample clothing donated by Tesco F&F. The remaining 25% comes from regular donations by individuals, collected by Direct Debit through GoCardless. A £8,000 DigitalOcean DO Impact grant and a trustee's gift paid for the swimming pool.

How can I donate to CAFFE?

Donations are taken at https://www.caffebd.org/donate by Direct Debit or one-off payment. £8 a month teaches one student to code, £12 teaches one to swim, and £20 covers both. UK taxpayers can add Gift Aid, which increases the donation by 25% at no cost to the donor.

Can I donate clothes or equipment?

No. CAFFE does not accept item donations from the public. The clothing sold at the pop-up sales is new and sample stock donated directly by Tesco F&F. The Bedford charity shop has closed.

Is CAFFE a registered charity?

Yes. CAFFE is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under number 1147000, and is a company limited by guarantee, number 7978453. Its accounts and trustee details are published on the Charity Commission register.

Who runs CAFFE?

4 members of staff run the centre in Sylhet, supported by trustees and volunteers in the UK. There is no paid fundraiser. Questions can be sent to luke@caffebd.org.