Free
The Children
Founded in Canada in 1995 by Craig Kielburger at the age of 12, Free The Children has created a global movement to engage a generation of young people in active citizenship, volunteerism and social action both locally and globally.
Since launching in the UK in 2010, Free The Children has worked with over 175 primary and secondary schools, including Academies and Free Schools, reaching over 40,000 young people across the country with the aim of developing leadership skills and learning about volunteerism and social entrepreneurship as a means of making a positive impact on their local communities and the wider world.
The Rumi Foundations’ founder, Rumi Verjee, together with Holly Branson, are co-chairs of the inaugural We Day UK in March 2014.
We Day is Free The Children’s annual, stadium-sized youth empowerment event which celebrates active citizenship among young people. It brings young people together to inspire them to make a difference and lead global change on issues of their choice.
Following We Day, young people take part in Free The Children’s year-long programme We Act, inspiring them to care about social issues, and providing the practical tools to turn that inspiration into action, encouraging volunteerism on both a local and a global level.