1. How many countries will participate in this project?

In this project a minimum of 18 countries will participate, though as it looks now this number will eventually be closer to 30 than to 18 countries.

2. Is this a European project?

The project promotes “World Press Freedom Day” and that means that the project is also a project that can take place around the world, though most countries that participate are European countries and 1 of the main supporter is the Council of Europe. Loesje very much welcomes groups of young people outside Europe to participate in this project.

3. Can I join?

Yes that would be great under join you can see how to join actively and for people who want also financially.

4. How many books will be spread and how will you spread them?

The original aim was to print 5.000 books but it seems to be that more countries will participate and if it will be financially possible more books will be printed and send away. The answer is a minimum of 5.000 books and there is no maximum. The books will be spread for free through the participating Loesje groups and organizations. After the project a couple of hundreds books will be left and people can order them against cost prize, through the Loesje web shop.

5. When will the book be distributed?

The book will be written on the 3rd of May. In every country we expect that people will make a pre-selection and if needed translate the results into English and send it to Loesje before the 10th of May. After that the final editing will start and before the 1st of June the book will be send away for proofreading. On the 22nd of June the book will go to the publisher and finally will be spread around the 1st of July.

6. Why does Loesje do such a project?

Freedom of speech and freedom of expression are essential for the work Loesje is doing. She makes use of these rights herself and she wants to encourage and stimulate others to make use of these rights. Besides that, she finds it important to work intercultural and cooperate on such large scale and give a positive contribution towards the world.

7. Is this project a reaction on the commotion that the Danish cartoons gave?

No, the project was made up in September 2005 before Loesje knew about the Danish cartoons and before the commotion world wide. Though the cartoons resulted in a discussion on press freedom and this project is connected to World press freedom day and freedom of expression.

8. Is it sensitive to organize a project connected to Press Freedom?

Loesje did notice that an organization that was positive on supporting this project financially decided not to do it, because of the sensitivity they thought this project could give at the moment (February 2006). Loesje personally doesn’t see any sensitivity in the project. Young people with different cultural and also religious background will participate in this project world wide. That is not something to be afraid of but something to create.