By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader
The Year of the Pencil initiative continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students across Sierra Leone. Together, we distributed over 100,000 pencils and 10,000 sharpeners to children in 20 schools—providing simple but powerful tools that help students fully participate in their education.
One of the schools that benefited from this effort was Murray Town Municipal Infant Primary School, where 584 students each received a pencil pouch filled with pencils and a sharpener. The excitement was immediate and heartfelt. Students proudly showed their new supplies, teachers expressed appreciation, and classrooms were energized with renewed enthusiasm for learning.
For many students, a pencil is much more than a basic school supply—it represents access to learning. It means being able to complete assignments, participate in class, and build confidence. For some children, something as small as a pencil can determine whether they are able to fully engage in their education each day.
Each pencil represents possibility. Behind every one is a child with dreams of becoming a teacher, nurse, engineer, or community leader. Your generosity is helping make those dreams feel more attainable.
As we celebrate the success of the Year of the Pencil, we are also celebrating another important milestone—Develop Africa’s 20th Anniversary. For two decades, supporters like you have helped us expand educational opportunities and create pathways to success for students.
To honor this milestone, we have set a new goal: to support 200 students in celebration of 20 years of transforming lives through education. Your continued support can help students start and continue their school year prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.
The Year of the Pencil showed what is possible when we work together. Now we invite you to continue this journey with us—from providing pencils to providing even greater educational support.
Together, we are not just distributing supplies—we are helping build futures.
Thank you for your generosity, your compassion, and your belief in these students.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Amy & the Develop Africa Team
GlobalGiving@developafrica.org
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