BIC has marked World Literacy Day by equipping 300,000 Kenyan learners with writing materials through the sixth edition of its “Buy Me, and BIC Will Donate a Pen” initiative.
The education-focused programme, implemented in partnership with CFK Africa, seeks to improve access to essential school supplies and ease the burden of basic learning material shortages among students.
This year’s initiative provided writing tools to 300,000 students, bringing the total number of learners reached since the programme began in 2020 to more than 1.5 million. During the same period, BIC has donated more than 2 million writing tools to schools and learners across Kenya.
Paloma Lengema, General Manager, BIC East Africa, said providing learners with essential materials remains an important part of the company’s commitment to education.
“Providing students with the tools they need to show up and participate in school is a promise that we are proud to keep,” Lengema said.
She noted that the initiative has continued to demonstrate the value of partnerships between consumers, organisations and communities in supporting learners and improving their educational journey.
CFK Africa representative Mediatrix Tuju said access to learning materials is an important but sometimes overlooked aspect of education.
“Learning materials are an everyday need, but they can easily be overlooked when we talk about access to education,” Tuju said, adding that partnerships such as the one with BIC help address practical challenges faced by learners.
Christopher Barassa, Director of Genesis Joy Project, where the initiative’s event was held, said having personal writing materials makes a practical difference for students in classrooms.
He noted that access to writing tools enables learners to participate in lessons without interruption while giving them greater confidence to complete their schoolwork.
The “Buy Me and BIC Will Donate a Pen” initiative is part of BIC’s broader education programmes across Kenya and East Africa.
Another flagship initiative, “Express Myself with My BIC Pen,” encourages students to use writing, drawing and creativity as tools for self-expression.
Through these programmes, BIC continues to support education access by addressing some of the everyday challenges that can affect learners’ participation and academic performance.