How a Magical Notebook Helps Children Rediscover the Joy of Writing
Ten years ago, Sam started with a simple idea: Correctbook. A notebook you can erase and reuse endlessly. Today, thousands of children in developing regions use Correctbook, and every day we contribute to the fight against illiteracy. New research from Kenya now shows that Correctbook truly makes a difference in the classroom. And we couldn’t be prouder!
Main points
• We did a research in Kenya.
• The results were positive.
• Children described Correctbook as “magical.”
• More joy, more confidence.
A Seed Planted in South Africa
At the age of twenty, Sam travelled through South Africa. There, he saw children who did go to school, but often without a pen or paper. “How can you learn to write if you don’t have a notebook?” he wondered. Back in the Netherlands, he designed an erasable notebook that could be reused over and over again: the Correctbook.
What started as a solution to that single problem has grown into the Joy of Writing model. This goes far beyond simply distributing reusable notebooks. Every child gains access to learning materials, and teachers are trained to create a safe and inclusive classroom environment. This allows students to learn more freely, express themselves with confidence, and participate more actively in class. Practising without the fear of making mistakes or wasting paper.
"This research from Kenya shows that we’re truly removing barriers.”
- Sam van Tol, founder of Correctbook
Research Confirms: Writing Becomes More Fun with Correctbook
In 2025, with the support of Invest International, we reached more than 5,000 children in Kenya. Professor O. Olungah from the University of Nairobi examined what this meant in the classroom. The responses spoke volumes, children even described Correctbook as “magical.” Below are the key findings from the study:
- More Active Participation in Class
In 85% of the classrooms, teachers observed that students using Correctbook were more engaged, paid better attention, and showed greater initiative during group work and creative assignments. - Increased Joy of Writing and Confidence
Students reported feeling freer to write and make mistakes, knowing they could easily erase their work and try again. One girl even described Correctbook as “magical.” - Improved Handwriting and Learning Outcomes
Thanks to the opportunity for repetition and direct correction, handwriting visibly improved. In some schools, students performed better on final exams than those in parallel classes without Correctbook. - Reduced School Absence
All participating schools saw a decline in absenteeism. One school even reported 100% attendance since introducing Correctbook. - Better Working Conditions for Teachers
78% of teachers stated that their work became simpler and more efficient. They spent less time preparing lessons and noticed greater motivation among their students. - Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits
Because Correctbook is reusable, parents had to buy fewer notebooks, and paper waste at schools dropped by 68%. Schools also reported cleaner classrooms and less clutter. - Widespread Enthusiasm in the Community
Parents and nearby schools showed great interest. Teachers noted that Correctbook sparked curiosity in the wider community, and more schools expressed their desire to join the program.
The study concludes that Correctbook has a measurable impact on learning in the participating schools: students are more motivated, teachers experience less workload, and the positive effects reach far beyond the classroom.
Would you like to help bring the joy of writing to more children? Buy a Correctbook and support our mission.
Girl from grade 5:
“I have the freedom to draw as much as I want and make as many mistakes as I can. But I can erase everything without anyone seeing it or punishing me.”
Writing Is More Important Than Ever
Worldwide, 763 million adults cannot read or write at all. In the Netherlands alone, more than three million people struggle with basic literacy skills: a challenge known as low literacy.
In a time when everything is becoming more digital, we at Correctbook show that writing by hand remains essential. For better language, more focus and creativity.
Anyone can join!
What started in a garage in Rotterdam has grown into a proven way to give children around the world new opportunities. And you can be part of it.
- When you buy a Correctbook, you directly support our mission.
- Companies can also use Correctbook as a sustainable gift, fully customized with their own branding.
Together, we’re making writing fun again. Here, and on the other side of the world.
