How BIC Is Empowering Education, One Pen at a Time

Sometimes, one spark ignites a fire, one voice sparks a movement, or one choice changes everything. Change Starts with One.

In the classroom, it is the teacher who won’t give up, the parent whose words build courage, or the stranger whose kindness arrives just in time. One moment, one action, can change a child’s life forever.

‘Change Starts with One’ is perfectly embodied in Paralympian track athlete, Mpumelelo Mhlongo, whose inspirational story is a great example of how individual efforts, the right environment, and access to relevant resources can create a hero – despite very challenging circumstances.

BIC has partnered with Mpumi to draw attention to the importance of providing students with the resources they need to not only stay in school but succeed academically.

Buy a Pen, Donate a Pen

Since 2012, BIC has been creating ripples of change through its Buy a Pen Donate a Pen campaign. Over the years, this simple yet powerful initiative has placed more than 16 million pens into the hands of learners who need them most.

The idea is simple: buy a pen, and BIC donates one. Every year, this generosity adds up to about a million pens which are delivered to schools across South Africa – ensuring students have the essential tools to learn, dream, and achieve.

Looking forward to 2025, BIC has pledged to provide at least one million pens to around 400 schools.

These pens are distributed during BIC’s annual roadshows, which run from March to June, spreading hope and possibility to communities nationwide.

Addressing South Africa’s School Dropout Crisis

South Africa is facing a tough education crisis: More than 41% of children who start Grade 1 drop out before reaching matric.

The Department of Basic Education reveals that dropout rates hit hardest in higher grades. ActionSA adds nearly a quarter of students in Grade 11 walk away from their education (24.8%), with another 15% dropping out in Grade 10.

Each student who leaves school early is a story of potential interrupted. They are kids who might have become doctors, engineers, teachers, or entrepreneurs – but systemic challenges pushed them out before they could reach their full potential.

The reasons behind South Africa’s high dropout rate are complex. Poverty, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of basic resources like books, pens and other stationery are just some of the barriers keeping children out of school.

BIC is determined to make a difference by teaming with organisations like Zero Dropout to improve school settings, mentor students, and offer them with the resources they need to succeed.

Join the Movement

This January, as you gear up for the back-to-school season, make a choice that matters – choose BIC. With every specially marked pen you buy, you’re not just ticking off your shopping list; you’re helping to brighten the future for learners across South Africa.

BIC back-to-school essentials are available at leading retail outlets nationally, like Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers, Spar and TakeAlot.

To find out more, join the conversations on Facebook and Instagram.