BIC, a global leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, marked Global Education Week 2024 with impactful community engagement in Nairobi, Kenya. Partnering with Mwiki Primary School in Githurai, BIC undertook renovations aimed at creating a vibrant and inspirational learning environment. This initiative is part of BIC’s commitment to improving educational conditions and supporting students’ academic journeys in the communities it serves.
Global Education Week is an annual event celebrated by BIC each November. During this week, the company rallies its employees to participate in activities that give back to local communities, with a special focus on education. The event forms a cornerstone of BIC’s commitment to its corporate social responsibility, aligning with its broader mission to enhance learning conditions for 250 million students globally by 2025 through its “Writing the Future Together” program.
Speaking on the initiative, Paloma Lengema, General Manager of BIC East Africa, emphasized the company’s dedication to education:
“We are a responsible corporate citizen and a global stationery leader. It is our responsibility to support the communities in which we operate. Our holistic approach to education equips students with the necessary writing tools, renovates school facilities, inspires creativity through programs like Art Master Africa, and supports students as they transition to the workforce.”
This year’s celebrations saw BIC focus on Mwiki Primary School, where the company renovated classrooms and other school facilities to provide a more conducive learning environment. The improvements were designed to enhance students’ daily school experience, making classrooms welcoming and inspiring places to learn.
Mr. Peter Muriithi, the headteacher at Mwiki Primary School, expressed gratitude for BIC’s support:
“Our students were ecstatic to see the renovated classrooms and school facilities. This has a tremendous impact on students wanting to be in school and their commitment to education. We are grateful for partners like BIC who are committed to supporting the sector and providing students with the right ecosystem to achieve academic excellence.”
BIC’s engagement with education in Kenya extends beyond Global Education Week. The company runs numerous programs year-round aimed at empowering students, teachers, and communities.
- Express Myself with My BIC Pen
- A penmanship program supporting students transitioning from pencils to pens while encouraging creative expression through writing and drawing.
- For every pen sold, BIC donates a pen to a child in need. Since its launch in 2020, this initiative has impacted over 1.5 million students in Kenya.
- Art Master Africa
- A flagship program designed to unleash creativity outside the classroom by engaging students in artistic expression.
- Creativity Educator’s Guide
- Developed by the BIC Foundation, this toolkit helps teachers incorporate creativity into their curriculum, fostering self-expression and imaginative thinking among students.
- Partnership with Enactus
- Supporting students as they enter the workforce by providing opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills and leadership capabilities.
BIC’s efforts in Kenya are part of a broader global strategy. Over the five editions of Global Education Week, BIC has impacted 200 million students and teachers worldwide, steadily advancing towards its goal of 250 million by 2025. In Africa, the company takes a holistic approach to education, focusing not only on academic tools but also on building the right physical and emotional environment for learning.
Kenya faces ongoing challenges in its education sector, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate learning materials, and insufficient infrastructure. Organizations like BIC play a critical role in addressing these gaps through public-private partnerships and community-driven programs.
The Impact of Renovations at Mwiki Primary School
- Increased Student Attendance
Improved school facilities have been shown to increase student attendance and engagement, as children feel more motivated to attend a well-maintained school. - Enhanced Academic Performance
A positive learning environment directly correlates with better academic outcomes, as students are more focused and comfortable in class. - Community Pride
Renovating schools fosters a sense of pride and ownership among students, teachers, and parents, encouraging greater involvement in school activities.
BIC’s commitment to education goes beyond providing stationery—it is about creating opportunities for young people to excel academically and creatively, equipping them with tools and environments that inspire success.
This vision aligns with the company’s sustainability goals, emphasizing the importance of education in driving long-term societal progress. By supporting initiatives like Global Education Week and year-round programs in Kenya, BIC continues to demonstrate its dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
