Press Release
Contact: Richard Burt 07970 713 032
Embargo: Immediate 5th December 2006
SCHOOLS IN 'PHONES4AFRICA' CAMPAIGN
West Worcestershire’s Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt
today praised Tenbury High School and Hanley Castle High School for offering to
take up his challenge to collect old and unwanted mobile phones for Africa this
Christmas.
The scheme, originally launched by All Party Parliamentary Campaign Groups in
Westminster, encouraged MPs, Peers and individuals to donate their old phones to
help protect the environment and improve mobile communications in African
nations.
Richard Burt said:
“I heard about the campaign in Westminster and thought it would be a great idea
to encourage students in the county to donate any old phones they might have
kept in the run up to Christmas. I am delighted that Tenbury High and Hanley
Castle High have taken up my challenge and agreed to organise a collection in
school.
"At least 75% of us own a mobile phone and every hour 1712 mobile phones are
upgraded in the UK alone. Despite having a lifespan of 10 years we usually keep
them for 18 months on average. Africans do not have the same luxury.
"If all mobile-users in the UK threw their old phones in the bin we'd be land
filling £650,000 worth of silver a year, not to mention the toxic chemicals that
would leak into the environment.”
Anyone who wants to support the Phones4Africa campaign can send their unwanted
mobiles free of charge to – FREEPOST Fonebak Vodafone Africa.
Ends.