This Sunday, June 16, is not only Father’s Day (Happy Father’s Day Dad!), but it is also International Day of the African Child.

According to Wikipedia:

The Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the OAU Organisation of African Unity. It honors those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on that day. It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children.In Soweto, South Africa, on June 16, 1976, about ten thousand black school children marched in a column more than half a mile long, protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young students were shot, the most famous of which being Hector Pieterson (see image). More than a hundred people were killed in the protests of the following two weeks, and more than a thousand were injured. On June 16 every year, governments, NGOs, international organisations and other stakeholders gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realization of the rights of children Africa.

So, clearly, this Father’s Day is extra special this year. It is a collision of social awareness and retail commerce, and we think we figured out a way to combine the two.

Americans will spend upwards of $16 Billion (with a B) dollars this year for Dad. Twenty percent, or about $1.8 Billion (with a B) dollars, of that figure will be spent on electronics. More than twice as much will be spent on gift cards – which will lead to more electronics. But, what will become of the old electronics, suddenly replaced? Some will end up oneBay, Some will be passed on to friends or family. But, more will end up gathering dust in the drawer, or, worse, end up in the garbage.

Electronic waste is the world’s fastest growing source of waste. So, let’s make Dad proud, and put those old electronics to good use while reducing, AND REUSING, our own waste!

Do you have a digital camera (made within the last 10 years), photo/video equipment (lights, grip, monitors etc.), an iPad (with lightning port)/tablet, or other digital device (smartphones, laptops, headphones, etc.) that will end up in the closet or at the dump?

Please donate it to Photo Start. YOUR old electronics are OUR students’ shiny new learning tools.

And if your Dad is the kinda guy who shares his passion with others, consider a donation in his honor to help teach young people around the world. What could be better?

We are grateful to all of our supporters who help us deliver our programs to children in Kenya and South Africa.

(Did you miss our last post? Check it out here.)