Through our Let Your Full School Story Out initiative, BIC is committed
to helping learners write every chapter of their school journey with
confidence, creativity and self-expression.
From pen and pencil donations to engaging educational roadshows and
vibrant school murals, every initiative is designed to inspire learners
to dream bigger, stay motivated and see the possibilities their future
can hold. Because when learners are equipped with the right tools and
encouragement, they are empowered to let their full school story out ,
all the way to the very last line.
Together, we can help create brighter futures for every learner.
School dropout is a global crisis that impacts students around the world.
In South Africa dropout rates have reached 41%* to date, impacting the
future of the country and the upcoming generation. At BIC® we have a
GLOBAL commitment to improving learning conditions for 250 million
students by the year 2025 which we believe will assist in stemming this
global education crisis.
Our You Buy 1, BIC Donates 1 initiative has resulted in the donation of
over 18 million writing tools to date. Our 2026 campaign will help BIC®
donate an additional 1 million writing tools to students and teachers in
need.
*StatsSA. P0318 - General Household Survey (GHS), 2021. www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=1854&PPN=P0318&SCH=73293. BIC® makes no representation or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, quality or suitability of the statistics contained in the advertisement.
As an iconic brand in South Africa, and the market leader in Stationery, BIC® is a part of every student's educational journey from the first day of school to the last day. BIC® launched the You Buy 1, BIC Donates 1 campaign in 2012 to help make a difference to students in need and has donated, with your help, over 18 million writing tools to students and teachers.
2026
122
Primary schools
visited
2026
385
High schools
visited
2026
785 000
Pens
donated
2026
130 000
Pencils
donated
The Skills Development Corporation (SDC) works with businesses to turn
skills development into real opportunities for growth, both for
companies and for young people.
As an accredited training partner, SDC manages everything from learner
placement to training and compliance, making it easier to invest in
meaningful upskilling initiatives.
Through its partnership with
BIC, the SDC has helped bring the “Write My Story” initiative to life by
sponsoring 15 learnerships in 2026, giving young South Africans the
skills, experience, and confidence to step into the working world!
Do you want to contribute on a personal level? Are you part of an organisation? Whatever your answer is, you have reached the right place. Everyone has a role to play in fighting school dropouts and creating a prosperous future for South African youth.
Donate stationery
Donate pre-loved clothing and shoes
Volunteer at your local school or community centre
Provide meal kits
Sponsor a child's school fees
Donate previously loved sports kit and equipment
Donate feminine hygiene products
Offer tutoring or homework assistance at your local school
Donate previously loved reading books
Donate old school textbooks and learning aids
It all started with a simple, but beautiful idea:
what if we, as South Africa's most loved Stationery brand, could colour
the imagination and the walls of South Africans, and make everyone's day
brighter?
Turns out we can. So we did.
And we'd like to do more.
BIC® murals are a symbol of creativity, self-expression, and hope for every learner passing through the school gates. Learn more about the 2025 murals here
BIC® supports Zero Dropout in its national campaign focused on halving the rate of school dropout by 2030. The programme aims to raise awareness around the high school dropout crisis, encouraging individuals and organisations to join the movement to contribute towards a more prosperous South Africa.
LEARN MORE
Below are various snippets from media coverage that we have received since the launch of the Together We can Make a Difference campaign. If you'd like to stay up to date with BIC®, you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Channel Africa
Merle Mansfield from Zero Dropout discusses the frightening situation of school dropouts and what BIC® is doing to help.
LISTEN NOW
Bay FM
Listen as we discuss the reasons behind the high rate of school dropouts in South Africa.
LISTEN NOW
Power FM
Enjoy this interview as we go over the causes behind South Africa's high school dropout rate.
LISTEN NOW
Soweto TV
Watch as Merle Mansfield from Zero Dropout gives insight into the alarming school dropout plight and what BIC® is doing to assist.
WATCH NOW
Toekomsrus
Primary School
BIC brought joy and inspiration to Toekomsrus Primary School with a Let Your Colour Out mural that celebrates creativity and individuality.
Robin Hills
Primary School
BIC brightened Robin Hills Primary School with a Let Your Colour Out mural, celebrating creativity, confidence, and self-expression.
Drommedaris
Primary School
We brought colour and creativity to Drommedaris Primary School with the Let Your Colour Out mural, inspiring learners to express themselves with confidence and imagination.
Northcliff
Primary School
BIC visited Northcliff Primary School to unveil a Let Your Colour Out mural, turning everyday walls into a celebration of creativity and self-expression.
