By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader
Because of the generosity of donors like you, the Year of the Pencil was a success.
Together, we placed over 100,000 pencils and 10,000 sharpeners into the hands of children across 20 schools in Sierra Leone. What began as a simple idea became a nationwide movement of hope, dignity, and opportunity.
One of the schools impacted was East End Municipal Infant Primary School, where 699 students each received a pencil pouch filled with pencils and a sharpener. The excitement was immediate. Students proudly held their pouches, teachers expressed relief, and classrooms felt renewed energy.
For many children, a pencil is not just a school supply — it is access. It is participation. It is confidence.
Each pencil tells a story of possibility. Behind every pencil is a student dreaming of becoming a teacher, nurse, engineer, or leader.
As we celebrate the success of the Year of the Pencil, we are also celebrating another milestone: Develop Africa’s 20th Anniversary.
To honor 20 years of impact, we are launching a new goal:
Support 200 students in celebration of 20 years of transforming lives.
Your continued generosity can help 200 students start and continue school prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.
The Year of the Pencil proved what is possible when we come together. Now, we invite you to help us take the next step — from pencils to full school support.
Together, we are not just distributing supplies.
We are building futures.
Thank you for your kindness, your belief in these children, and your partnership in creating brighter opportunities.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Amy & the Develop Africa Team
GlobalGiving@developafrica.org
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