A small, personal initiative to give your unused smartphone a new life: as a powerful tool for learning, growth, and connection in Uganda. One phone, one person, one future at a time.
Have you ever opened a drawer and found an old smartphone sitting there? Maybe it still works fine, just not quite as fast as the new one in your pocket. Maybe the battery is a little tired, or the screen has a small crack – but it still connects to the internet, still holds the world inside.
If so, I’d like to ask you something:
Would you consider giving that phone a second life – not just as a device, but as a gift to someone who really needs it?
Why this matters
In Uganda, I’ve met many young people with big dreams – students, future entrepreneurs, curious minds full of energy and potential. But too often, they’re stuck. Not because they lack talent or motivation, but because they lack access. A working smartphone can make all the difference.
It’s a tool for learning, a connection to the world, a way to grow.
With it, someone can:
- Study for exams using free online materials
- Learn a trade or new skill through YouTube or training platforms
- Start a small business via social media
- Stay in touch with school groups or mentors
- Apply for jobs, scholarships, or university programs
The truth is: without a phone, many doors remain closed.
And in places where even a used phone costs more than a month’s income, those doors feel permanently locked.
A personal effort, not a big campaign
This is not a big foundation project. It’s something small and personal. When I travel from Europe to Uganda, I carry a few donated smartphones with me – carefully selected, prepared, and packed in my hand luggage. Each one is destined for a specific person: a student, a school graduate, a young woman with ambition, a boy trying to finish secondary school.
These are people I know, or who have been recommended by people I trust.
Each phone goes to one person only. No reselling. No random giveaways. Just real, thoughtful support.
And when they no longer need it – they’re asked to return it so it can be passed on.
Would you like to give yours?
If you have a working smartphone that you’re no longer using, and would like to give it a meaningful new life, here’s what to do.
What kind of phones we accept
Please donate only fully functional phones. This is not about dumping electronics – it’s about real, respectful support.
Minimum requirements:
- The phone must turn on and operate normally
- Touchscreen and buttons must work properly
- Screen must be readable (small cracks are okay, shattered screens are not)
- Battery must hold at least 80% of its original charge
- No iCloud / Google lock (all personal accounts must be removed)
- No SIM-locks or carrier restrictions (or provide unlock code)
- Charger included, if possible
- Please include a short note with your name and city
💡 If you’re not sure how to wipe the phone, you can just let me know – I can help with instructions or do it for you.
How to prepare the phone
- Back up your data if needed
- Log out of all accounts (Google, Apple ID, etc.)
- Remove screen lock or password
- Factory reset the phone
- Clean it (gently wipe with a cloth)
- Charge it to at least 80%
- Label it (write your name or initials on a small sticker if you like)
That’s it. You’ve just prepared a little lifeline.
Where to send it
Please ship your phone (or deliver it in person, if nearby) to Coach Stefan in La Spezia / Italy
Please contact Buvilove Charity to receive the exact shipping / delivery address
I collect phones regularly and always bring a few with me when traveling to Uganda. It’s hand-carry only, to ensure they arrive safely and directly into the hands of the people they’re meant for.
A human chain of care
There’s no big logo here. No photos of smiling children.
Just real people, on both ends, doing what they can.
One person decides they don’t need a phone anymore. Another person receives it and gets a better shot at building their future. In the middle: a bit of coordination, a plane ride, and a lot of care.
This is slow. Personal. Human. But it works.
If you’d like to be part of it, just send me a message or email.
And if you know others who might want to contribute, feel free to share this.
Thank you,
Trący & Stefan