Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the notebooks coming from?

All notebooks are procured from the country of operation in order to support the local economy. This is also to prevent the unnecessary and high costs of shipping large volumes of materials that are readily available in the each country. The notebooks are purchased from local retailers and wholesalers in the country. These retailers are not only able to supply the notebooks at a low cost, but also demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and community development.

Are the notebooks made from recycled paper?

The availability of recycled materials varies by country. Free The Children supports operational activities that promote positive environmental impacts, such as opting for notebooks made from recycled paper. When sourcing supplies in the countries we work, while maximizing our beneficiary reach, we take cost, availability, environmental impact and social responsibility into account.

How are the books distributed?

The logistics of distributing books is completed by the leadership at Free The Children primary schools in the communities we are actively engaged. This includes individuals, such as the headmasters and principals, who ensure that distribution is fair and equitable.

How do you determine what countries get the notebooks?

Free The Children implements its unique holistic model of sustainable development within rural communities in six countries around the world. These countries include China, Ecuador, India, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Sri Lanka. Books are distributed amongst the communities in these countries based on highest need assessments.

How much of my purchase goes towards the notebook?

For each Me to We book purchased, a portion of the profits go directly to the cost of one notebook.

I've volunteered in a Free The Children community overseas; can I give a book to that community?

Due to both resource constraints and that we must first address communities in most need; we will be unable to match individual notebooks to a community of your choice. If, however, you are purchasing Me to We books in large volumes, Free The Children may be able to direct the bulk notebook contributions to a single country of choice.

How often do you give notebooks?

The number of notebooks Free The Children is able to purchase through the Buy a Book, Give a Book campaign is determined at the end of Me to We's fiscal year. At this time, we total how many books have been purchased. For every book purchased, we then give the notebooks to communities at the start of their academic year, ensuring that children begin their school year prepared with the supplies essential to their studies.

Am I giving a notebook or a textbook?

Notebooks will be given to the children. The relatively high cost of textbooks is certain countries makes it difficult to acquire these resources. If you are, however, interested in providing textbooks in an Adopt a Village country of your choice, Free The Children welcomes you to find out more about its giving opportunities in education. Donations can be made online at www.freethechildren.com/donate.

How much do the notebooks cost?

The cost of notebooks varies slightly by country, and based on the volume in which they are purchased. This is why Free The Children purchases the books once a year in each country, enabling us to make your generous contribution reach more children.

Where's the money for the notebook coming from?

Fifty percent of all book purchases is donated to Free The Children, who will in turn arrange for the purchase of notebooks. Each book purchase will be used to purchase one notebook.

Why are you doing this and what does Me to We gain?

The Buy a Book, Give a Book campaign is selfless. This is about the crux of our charity partner Free The Children, education. As a leader in social responsibility, the Me to We family of social enterprises is constantly innovating and looking for meaningful ways to give back. Buy a Book, Give a Book is a campaign that Me to We is incredibly passionate about. By providing children with the physical resources they need to attend primary school in a comfortable learning environment, children are proud to go to school. They are able to perform better academically, and are inspired by your generosity to become lifelong learners.