As the cost of living in Singapore continues to rise, an increasing number of residents are turning to pre-loved textbooks as a cost-saving measure.
Pre-Loved Textbooks: A Growing Trend
The Straits Times reported in January that textbook prices for primary and secondary school students had increased by seven per cent at the start of 2023. It's no wonder then that a recent survey conducted by FairPrice Group revealed that seven out of 10 respondents were considering using secondhand textbooks to reduce expenses. More than half of these respondents expected to save between S$100 and S$299 per year by doing so.
Don't Forget About Supplementary Educational Materials
It's not just secondhand textbooks that are in demand. The same survey showed that 86% of respondents also needed supplementary educational materials such as assessment books, revision guides, and past exam papers. This shows that donors can contribute more than just pre-loved textbooks to the donation drive.
Donate Your Pre-Loved Textbooks and Share Knowledge
FairPrice's annual Share-A-Textbook donation drive is now open and will run from October 30 to November 30, 2023. Donors can drop off pre-loved textbooks and supplementary educational materials at any of the 150 FairPrice stores, including FairPrice Xtra hypermarkets, FairPrice Finest stores, FairPrice Supermarkets, and FairPrice Xpress outlets.
Volunteer at Share-A-Textbook
Besides donating pre-loved textbooks, you can also give your time to this worthwhile cause. Over 1,000 volunteers participate annually in sorting and organising book donations for the distribution drive. While all volunteer slots have been filled this year, corporate volunteering opportunities are also available. For more information, email fptextbook@fairprice.com.sg.
The Tradition of Sharing Pre-Loved Textbooks
NTUC FairPrice first launched the Used Textbooks Project in 1983. It was rebranded as FairPrice Share-A-Textbook in 2010. Over the past 40 years, the project has collected and redistributed over 6.8 million secondhand textbooks to more than 280,000 students.
Support Education and Sustainability with Pre-Loved Textbooks
As we continue to face rising costs, initiatives like Share-A-Textbook become even more essential. By donating your secondhand textbooks, you're not only helping to ease the financial burden for families but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
So why not join us in this collaborative effort? Let's ensure that all young learners have equitable access to educational resources as they pursue their dreams. Donate your secondhand textbooks today!
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