Given that some schools have so much money, resources and furniture and other schools around the world have little or close to none, Furniture for Education Worldwide (FEW) was established to help readdress the balance.  Launched in London at the end of 2008 by Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Education, this national charity seeks to “send all the surplus and redundant furniture from the Building Schools for the Future project (BSF) to Schools in deprived countries around the world that have very little or no facilities.”  This includes:  computer tables, classroom tables, computer chairs, classroom chairs, folding chairs, folding tables, school cafeteria tables, podiums and anything else that falls into the category of school furniture.

At the time of this writing, FEW had already sent 40 feet worth of containers filled with all types of school furniture as well as school books, blackboards, etc., to the Asian region. This furniture has completely enhanced the learning experience of these less-fortunate children around the world.  For example, those kids who previously had to use their bags for support when sitting can now use a school desk and are thus able to work in a much more structured environment.  In addition, the work of FEW has been having a very positive impact on the environment, promoting green living.