By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader
The impact of Develop Africa’s Year of the Pencil reached far beyond classrooms—earning national attention from the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), which highlighted the campaign’s powerful results across Freetown.
On November 20th, thousands of students in more than 20 schools received brand-new pencil pouches filled with 10 pencils and a sharpener. These supplies were carefully packed by dedicated volunteers and staff who spent days preparing each pouch to ensure every child received the tools they need to learn.
During the broadcast, education leaders and teachers shared firsthand how meaningful this support has been:
School leaders explained that many children arrive at school without a pencil and are often forced to ask teachers or classmates just to participate in lessons.
With their own supplies, students are now prepared each day, allowing teachers to focus on teaching instead of managing shortages.
Education officials emphasized that early reading and writing skills are foundational to long-term academic success—and that something as simple as a pencil plays a critical role in building those skills from the earliest grades.
Teachers shared how the 10-pencil packs will help students consistently practice writing and reading, strengthening confidence and classroom engagement.
The broadcast also highlighted the broader challenges educators face when pupils lack basic learning tools—and how initiatives like the Year of the Pencil directly support both students and teachers in overcoming those barriers.
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, the Year of the Pencil delivered simple but powerful resources that are already making a difference. These pencils represent more than supplies—they represent preparation, participation, dignity, and opportunity.
Thank you for helping us write a brighter future—one child, one classroom, and one pencil at a time.
With gratitude,
Amy & the Develop Africa Team
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By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader
By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader
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