Reading for Change

The Geneva Shapers are proud to launch their latest project, Reading for Change, which aims to expand access to education for those who need it the most. The idea is simple, but effective: provide the most marginalized communities with digital devices filled with useful educational content. To this end, the Geneva Hub is collecting used digital devices – such as laptops, cell phones, mp3 players – that are considered obsolete and giving them a new, more meaningful life.

On Sunday, 15 March 2015, the Geneva Shapers launched the first phase of the project and delivered IT equipment and other digital devices to EspaceSolidairePaquis (ESP), a leading community-based organization that offers shelter and meaningful skills training for migrants, homeless people and other vulnerable individuals. Through the contribution of Procter & Gamble Geneva and several private donations, the Shapers were able to provide ESP with over 20 devices, including laptops, cell phones, mp3 players and e-readers. All of them were filled with French language courses, both for beginners and more advanced speakers.

Thanks to these devices, ESP will increase its language and IT course offering and provide more services to the over 15,000 beneficiaries.

But this is not just a one-off event. The Geneva Hub hopes to scale up Reading for Change and reach more people in need with better access to education. We are planning to bring Reading for Change in developing countries and to establish new partnerships.

Here is where we need your help: please visit our website (http://www.readingforchange.ch/) and find out how you can contribute.With your support, we CAN make this happen!

Reading for Change video: https://vimeo.com/122183076

Photo credits: Martina Zapf