The Rotary Club of Chatham is encouraging citizens to donate their old or unused Android smartphones and tablets.
The Rotary Club of Chatham is asking local residents to check their desk drawers for Android smartphones or tablets and chargers they are no longer using as part of a global literacy project they are organizing.
The Rotary Clubs of Chatham, Chatham Sunrise, Blenheim and Wallaceburg are in the process of setting up wi-fi stations in remote Guatemalan schools.
Donated Android smartphones and tablets will be used as e-readers, making educational materials and textbooks available to children.
“Tania, Alysson and I have been talking about how to get the word out about this initiative and get as many devices as possible into these schools, which often have little to no infrastructure or learning tools,” states Peter Tanner, a Chatham Rotarian and coordinator of the project.
Alysson Storey is Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Chatham in 2016-17 and Tania Sharpe is current President of the Club.
“Many of us likely have a phone or tablet in our home that we’re not using,” Sharpe says.
“This is a great way to give these devices another function, and a very important function at that. For these kids this is a lifeline to a better life. Without literacy skills their options are incredibly limited. This is an easy way to help kids learn to read, and give them an education they would never be able to access otherwise. Which is one of the pillars of Rotary service”.
“The citizens of Chatham-Kent are generous people and we’re great at helping out those less fortunate,” added Storey.
“This not only keeps these devices out of a landfill, it gives these students a chance at an education they would never have otherwise. It’s a win-win.”
For any concerns about private information on these devices, the Rotary Club of Chatham has that covered as well.
Geek4Cheap, a local computer business, has graciously offered to wipe data from donated phones and tablets.
Android phones, tablets and chargers can be dropped off at Geek4Cheap, 455 Grand Ave E in Chatham. Local partners and organizations are welcome to help support and raise awareness about this initiative with their own workplace or community group collection.
The Rotary Club of Chatham members are happy to help arrange pick-up and delivery as well, if needed.
