The Pencils and Smiles Semi Annual School Supplies and resources Drive Project

SUMMARY

This organisation was formed after being moved by the story of a grandmother who walked several miles in search of a pencil so that her grandchild could attend school Pencils and Smiles is an initiative that aims to alleviate the effects of poverty, empower neglected communities, improve standards of living and seeks to bridge the gap between education and poverty. We started by distributing pencils to every child, we are now looking into building libraries and building toilets for rural schools

CHALLENGE 

School children lack the necessary school supplies and equipment needed in and out of the classroom, for them to benefit from education they lack motivation, it affects their self esteem and robs them of the opportunity to rise above the poverty they are born into. The old and run down non-flash, fallen in pit latrines they use for bathrooms need to be rebuilt from scratch as they are currently posing a serious health hazard for the children. They do not have bathroom supplies at all

SOLUTION

Building libraries and bathrooms will definitely improve the health conditions and promote literacy which will make learning a pleasant and enjoyable experience as it should be. Children will stay motivated, ready to learn, be eager to be in the classroom and will as a result tower above the poverty they are born into

LONG-TERM IMPACT

The potential long term benefits of this project include a healthy school community, improved, effective and more successful classroom experiences for both teachers and children, no drop outs as all necessities will be provided to ensure children keep going to school. New toilets will eradicate the current health hazard. Negative effects of poverty will be alleviated, the education system will improve which will give the locals hope for a better and improved future for the generations to come.