Together we can make a difference.
Through our initiatives like pen and pencil donations to engaging
educational roadshows and vibrant wall murals, we're dedicated to
fostering learning environments that inspire and uplift.
With each donation, each show, and each colorful mural, we're not just
providing tools; we're sparking imaginations, igniting curiosity, and
building brighter futures.
Join us on our mission as we strive to
equip students with the tools they need to dream, learn, and succeed.
Together,
let's create a world where every student has the opportunity to flourish
and thrive.Together, we can make a difference.
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 Buy a Pen Donate a Pen initiative
has resulted in the donation of over 15 million writing tools to date. Our
2024 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 BUY A PEN, DONATE A PEN campaign in 2012 to help make a difference to students in need and has donated, with your help, over 15 million writing tools to students and teachers.
2025
127
Primary schools
visited
2025
122
High schools
visited
2025
879 852
Pens
donated
2025
108 152
Pencils
donated
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® 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
Leratong
Primary School
We transformed this wall at Leratong Primary School in Orlando East to inspire their students to think with creativity and colour.
Glenoaks
Primary School
Towards the end of 2023, Glenoaks Remedial was the lucky recipient of a bright and inspiring mural. The mural not only brought joy and uplifted the spirits of the children, but also created a more vibrant and positive school environment.
Middelburg
Primary School
We want to inspire students to think with creativity and colour. In 2022, we visited Middelburg Primary School and brought colour to their world with a beautiful mural.
Project Playground in CT
School Playground
An interactive and colorful mural was installed at Project Playground in Cape Town. Project Playground is a NPO working for sustainable change on a local level through giving exposed children and youth a meaningful spare time. The mural symbolizes a commitment to driving hope and inspiration among students, fostering a positive and uplifting environment.
Thaba Jabula
Primary School
Colour has the ability to ignite creativity. We beautified this wall at Thaba Jabula Secondary School to make kids smile and encourage them to push their creative limits.
Tuinrand
Primary School
In 2023, as a continuation of the initiative we began in 2022 to inspire young South Africans to believe in their unlimited potential, we unveiled a mural at Laerskool Tuinrand in Pretoria Central. #ColourTomorrowWithBIC isn't a destination; it's a journey towards a brighter, more inspired tomorrow.
7th Day Adventist
Primary School
In 2022, a vibrant mural installation was unveiled at 7th Adventist Primary School, transforming its walls into an exhibition of colour and creativity.
Johannesburg Chimp Mural
Zoo
The BIC® Chimp mural is a 7 metre, colourful display situated at the Chimpanzee enclosure at the Johannesburg Zoo.
Alexandra
Secondary School
Alexandra Secondary School welcomed a vibrant new addition to its
school —a colourful mural designed to inspire creativity and
community.
Featuring uplifting messages and bold, joyful designs, the mural
reflects the diverse spirit of the students and encourages them to
dream big.
Lukhanyo
High School
Lukhanyo High School was transformed with a colourful new mural that radiates creativity and positivity. Bursting with vibrant colors and uplifting messages, the artwork aims to inspire students and encourages them to never give up on their dreams.
Odyssey Academy
Special Ed School
Odyssey Academy were thrilled to have the colourful Yay Abe inspiration mural piece installed in their school. The bright green, red, blue and black artworks brightened their hallway and put a smile on each of the students' faces.
Eastleigh
Primary School
Created in collaboration with renowned local illustrator Yay Abe, this colorful mural, implemented at Eastleigh Primary, is more than just art; it's a daily reminder of the power of imagination and unity.
