It started with one country. In Vietnam, "free education" is often not free. Institutions require students to pay fees for items and services such as uniforms, textbooks, and school repair and maintenance, and these costs increase in secondary school and beyond. As a result, according to a CIA World Factbook evaluation in 2001, one-third of children were unable to complete fifth grade due to monetary issues. Thus, ETWA strives to provide school necessities and funds to students in developing countries and marginalized groups in order for them to acquire the knowledge and experiences they need for a brighter future while spreading awareness.