BIC East Africa, a subsidiary of the global stationery, lighters, and shavers leader, has made a significant impact on education in Kenya during this year’s Global Education Week. The company collaborated with Mwiki Primary School in Githurai, Nairobi, to renovate school facilities and create an inspiring learning environment for students.
The initiative, part of BIC’s global commitment to education, aligns with its sustainable development program, Writing the Future Together, which aims to improve learning conditions for 250 million students by 2025. To date, the program has already reached approximately 200 million students worldwide.
The renovations at Mwiki Primary School included upgrading classrooms and other school facilities, fostering a more engaging and enjoyable learning atmosphere. Speaking at the event, Paloma Lengema, General Manager at BIC East Africa, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting local communities.
“We believe in a holistic approach to education,” said Lengema. “Beyond providing writing tools, we are committed to creating environments where students can thrive academically and creatively. Through initiatives like Art Master Africa and partnerships such as the one with Enactus, we aim to inspire creativity and support the next generation.”
The head teacher of Mwiki Primary School, Mr. Peter Muriithi, lauded the partnership with BIC, noting its transformative impact on students’ attitudes towards education. “The renovated facilities have ignited a renewed enthusiasm for learning among our students. We deeply appreciate BIC’s support in providing an environment conducive to academic success,” he said.
BIC’s efforts extend beyond infrastructure improvements. During Global Education Week, the company distributed the Creativity Educator’s Guide, developed by The BIC Foundation, to help teachers integrate creativity into their curricula.
BIC Kenya also runs year-round programs such as Express Myself with My BIC Pen, which supports students transitioning from pencils to pens and encourages self-expression through writing and drawing. Since 2020, its Buy Me and BIC Will Donate a Pen campaign has donated pens to over 1.5 million students in Kenya.
Now in its fifth year, Global Education Week continues to underscore BIC’s dedication to education and community development. By empowering students and enhancing learning environments, BIC East Africa reaffirms its role as a responsible corporate citizen committed to fostering creativity and academic excellence across the continent.