BIC partners with Save the Children to supports more than 400,000 learners in Kenya
[Nairobi, Kenya – 22nd February 2022 -] Stemming from its commitment to improve learning conditions for 250 million children by the year 2025, BIC has partnered with Save the Children, the world’s first and leading independent children’s organization, to distribute school supplies to more than 400,000 learners in need in Kenya.
A handover event held at Save the Children headquarters in Nairobi took place in attendance of senior Save the Children and BIC representatives. During the event, BIC East Africa handed over school supplies that aim to help students in need across the country to fulfill their educational requirements.
The partnership was formed as a response to the lack of resources for less privileged pupils in the country – one of the major educational challenges in Kenya.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, BIC East Africa Marketing Manager Paloma Lengema, said, “Education is one of our key areas of focus at BIC. We are committed to supporting communities that we operate in and are especially focused on improving learning conditions for students in need. The lack of resources in the education sector which affects pupils’ ability to learn and express themselves has pushed us to partner with renowned and like-minded institutions like Save the Children and work together to shed light on this crucial pillar in society, as well as aim towards closing the gap in the unavailability of school materials.”
On her part, Save the Children’s Kenya and Madagascar Country Director Yvonne Arunga said education is one of the organization’s main pillars towards helping children to succeed in life.
“Save the Children believes that every child should receive quality education. We are aware that millions of children are robbed of this basic need because of the environments they grow up in. Children are less likely to escape the cycle of poverty and may never have the opportunity to achieve their full potential,” said Yvonne. “We are delighted to partner with private sector companies such as BIC who are committed to supporting and elevating learning conditions for students in need, and help children across Kenya access the material they need for quality education.”
Throughout the years, BIC has placed a high priority on supporting and empowering students by providing the right tools for them to express themselves and reach their full potential. Today’s partnership with Save the Children is also in line with the ongoing initiative, ‘Buy Me and BIC Will Donate 1 Pen’, launched in East Africa in 2019, where the company has committed to donating one pen for every product it sells in East Africa.
The donation took place in February 2022 ahead of the commencement of the Kenya Certificate of Primary and Secondary Education exams. The donation will not only provide learners with the materials they need for quality education but will also help teachers who often spend their own money to stock their classrooms. The donations will specifically support students across the country in Nairobi, Garissa, Wajir, Daadab, Turukana, Bungoma, and Mandera.
About BIC
A world leader in stationery, lighters and shavers, BIC brings simplicity and joy to everyday life. For more than 75 years, the Company has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable, essential products to consumers everywhere. Through this unwavering dedication, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands and is a trademark registered worldwide. Today, BIC products are sold in more than 160 countries around the world and feature iconic brands such as BIC Kids™, BIC FlexTM, BodyMark by BICTM, Cello®, Djeep, Lucky Stationery, Rocketbook, Soleil®, Tipp-Ex®, Us. TM, Wite-Out® and more. In 2021, BIC Net Sales were 1,831.9 million euros. The Company is listed on “Euronext Paris,” is part of the SBF120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes and is recognized for its commitment to sustainable development and education. It received an A- Leadership score from CDP. For more, visit about.bic.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.
About Save the Children
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Kenya and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfill their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organization – transforming lives and the future we share.
Save the Children has been providing support to children in Kenya through our development and humanitarian programs since 1950. We work with communities, local partners and the government to design and deliver programs to meet the needs of the most deprived children. Our ambition for 2030 is to create a world in which all children:
- Survive: No child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday
- Learn: All children learn from a quality basic education
- Are Protected: Violence against children is no longer tolerated.
Our bold ambition builds on 100 years’ experience of bringing communities, civil society, governments, businesses, and donors together to achieve lasting change for children.
For more information, visit www.kenya.savethechildren.net.
Regional Press Contact
Bana Badwan, BIC Middle East and Africa
+971589937959
Kenya Press Contact
Flora Nanjala, Millo Communications
+254715001664
