To achieve this, BIC® is embarking on a national educational roadshow, ‘Power Their Potential’, with brand activation partner Zinto Marketing Group, to equip primary schools in the country’s townships and rural areas with stationery.
Lillian Henderson, marketing director at BIC®, says, "With 55.5% of South Africans living in poverty, according to the latest Poverty Trends Report, many parents are forced to prioritise putting food on the table over purchasing school supplies."
"For their kids, however, lack of access to essentials like pens is one of the biggest obstacles to school participation and academic achievement. Our aim, achieved through our annual Buy a Pen, Donate a Pen programme, enables us, through the help of consumers, to distribute pens to make education inclusive for all and promote a culture of lifelong learning," Henderson adds.
Since 2011, BIC® has supplied 8.5 million pens to children.
Henderson says, "With many schools operating under very difficult circumstances, and often lacking basic teaching and educational resources such as stationery, it’s the teachers who often purchase stationery from their own pockets. And so BIC® contributes, albeit in a small way, to alleviate their pressures."
Running alongside the ‘Power Their Potential’ roadshow, a talent workshop has been developed that recognises young talent and inspires learners to get creative.
"Giving children the right learning tools can make a significant difference in their lives. BIC® wants to help young people pursue the opportunities and their talents that will allow them to ‘Power Their Potential’ and future," Henderson concludes.
Individuals can show their support for ‘Power Their Potential’ by buying any specially marked BIC® ‘Buy a Pen, Donate a Pen’ pack.
For more information, visit www.za.bicworld.com. You can also follow BIC® on Twitter or on Instagram.