ABOUT APT4SD
APT for Social Development is a charitable organization founded in 2021 by Dr Rachel Lindoewood, Catherine Barton, Hilary Williams and Jo Marney with its aim being the sustainable production of furniture, household items and disability equipment.
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APT for Social Development establishes workshops in Kenya and Wales that teach community members how to use simple tools to create items from recycled cardboard and paper for income generation and use. The process and items themselves benefit communities including those with disabilities.
WHAT IS APT?
Appropriate paper-based technology (APT) is a simple but efficient method using local and recycled materials to make household items, furniture and assistive devices for children with disabilities at a very low cost. The technology was first developed in Zimbabwe and is used in low-income countries.
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APT means:
Appropriate: All APT items are designed to serve some useful purpose.​
Paper-Based: APT uses 99% paper or card.
Technology: APT is a body of knowledge, techniques and devices which can be utilized to make a variety of items.
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APT items have four important characteristics
They should be:
Strong: Strength is essential for usefulness especially if it is a furniture item. Even if it is made of paper and other waste materials, it is durable because of the technology applied.
Useful: APT articles are useful because out of paper waste and other waste materials, different products can be produced. They range from simple household items and furniture, to assistive devices for persons with disabilities.
Attractive: Items can be decorated with creative artistic designs and good colour combinations that suit each individual.
Low-cost: The cost of production is very low since APT uses simple or improvised tools for producing items which are made from paper waste and other waste materials.
