We are delighted to announce the launch of our new campaign in partnership with Staples, called Back to School Swapsies

The idea is simple. Students are always keen to start the autumn term with new pens and a pencil case but what happens to the perfectly good unwanted ones?

Usually they end up in a cupboard, a drawer or even in the bin. This year we want youngsters to take their decent no-longer-needed stationery into their local Staples store and in return Staples will give them a £1 voucher to spend on new stuff!

We will sort through their donations, pick out the best re-usable stationery and ship it to Tanzania and Uganda, along with the 300,000 text books we aim to send in 2010. 

Our aim is to encourage students to think about the benefits of recycling and encourage them to become active global citizens.

So how can you get involved? 

Who can help?

EVERYONE!

- Teachers and students: Spread the word at your school! Tell your friends, family and school mates. Then get yourselves down to your nearest Staples with your disused stationery.

Print out the promotional poster (Choose your prefered size from the options below) post it all over your school notice boards (make sure you get permission first!)

Teachers, if you would like to find out more about this campaign, to order some promotional posters, or to find out more about how you can get involved with READ please fill in the relevant fields on our contact email

Remember, we also want your disused textbooks and can arrange a collection from your school. See our What Books page for more information.

- Everyone else: spead the word too! Print a poster out and take it down to your local school. Then get yourself and any of your own disused stationery down to your nearest Staples.

What do I have to do?

The initiative started on July 24th. Gather your good quality disused stationery together and take it down to your local Staples anytime where you can drop it off, and get a voucher in return. It really is that easy!

Where will my stationery go?

We will select the best quality stationery and it will be shipped to Tanzania and Uganda along with the 300,000 textbooks we aim to ship in summer 2010 where it will be redistibuted to thousands of school children who can use it in their daily education.

We are confident that with the help of Staples and your support we can continue to make a difference to children's education in East Africa. Please help us to make this new campaign a success.