In 1995, 12-year-old Canadian student Craig Kielburger read in the newspaper the terrible story of a Pakistani peer who was forced to work as a slave in poor conditions. Pakistani Iqbal Masih wanted to change the system, but was killed. The story did not leave Kielburger untouched. In a short time, he gathered a group of classmates and Free the Children was founded. The young group starts by gathering and deepening knowledge, then they distribute information. The children also provide promotion, each in their own area.

Later, Kielburger goes to South Asia in search of the hard truth. At the airport, he manages to interest Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien in his project. The prime minister does not forget. Vice-President Al Gore joins the project and the World Council of Churches also lends its support. Together with his brother Marc, Kielburger turns a boys' club into a close-knit organisation. In 1990, his book Free the Children was published, which became a huge success. Funds are raised and events are held involving major artists, politicians, human rights activists and spiritual leaders. Free the Children no longer focuses only on the liberation of child slaves, but also provides information on education. Knowledge is the new power. In 2016, the organisation changed its name to WE Charity.