Jersey Charity Seeks Old Kindles to Boost Child Literacy

Dusty Kindles sitting in drawers across Jersey are about to get a second life helping kids fall in love with reading.

Every Child Our Future is launching The Big Reading Device Revival this June, collecting old e-readers to refurbish and pass on to families struggling to access books. The charity is partnering with Phone Doctor to repair donated devices and get them ready for new young readers.

The timing couldn't be better. While recent UK government guidance encourages limiting screen time for children under five, dedicated e-readers offer a middle path. Unlike tablets or phones packed with games and notifications, Kindles are built solely for reading.

Families can drop off any Kindle released after 2012 at the Phone Doctor store throughout June. Even devices needing minor repairs are welcome. Phone Doctor will handle everything from data wiping to refurbishment in July, ensuring each device is safe and ready for its next chapter.

The initiative marks the charity's tenth anniversary. For a decade, Every Child Our Future has worked to ensure every child in Jersey can access books and develop reading confidence. The device drive is part of their broader Big Jersey Read campaign.

Cris Lakeman, CEO of Every Child Our Future, emphasized the balanced approach. "This initiative is about providing access to dedicated reading devices for families who find them helpful, ensuring more children can engage with books in a way that works for them," she said.

The Ripple Effect

One donated Kindle can open thousands of books to a child who might otherwise struggle to access them. E-readers reduce the cost barrier of building a home library and make reading portable for families on the go. For children in areas far from libraries or bookstores, a single device loaded with age-appropriate titles can transform daily reading time.

João Neves, owner of Phone Doctor, sees the environmental benefit too. "Many households have e-readers that are no longer in use, and with careful refurbishment they can become a valuable resource for families," he said.

The partnership demonstrates how local businesses and charities can work together to solve practical problems facing families. Instead of e-waste, those forgotten devices become gateways to adventure, learning, and imagination for Jersey's youngest readers.

Donations start this June at Phone Doctor, turning yesterday's technology into tomorrow's bookworms.