Develop Africa, Freetown City Council and GEED Foundation Deliver 100,000 Pencils to 10,000 Pupils in Sierra Leone
Students at a Sierra Leone school receive pencils through Develop Africa’s Year of the Pencil campaign, giving them essential tools for learning.
The Year of the Pencil campaign equips young learners with essential tools to support early-grade education across Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The launch was held on November 20th, 2025, at Regent Square Municipal Infant Primary School. Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr joined school administrators, educators, and members of the local community in gracing the occasion.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr highlighted the Need for Early-Grade Support:
During the launch, the Mayor emphasized the campaign’s role in strengthening foundational learning. She reaffirmed the city’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities across all communities.
A Lifeline for Teachers and Students:
Teachers shared that the supplies will immediately improve classroom engagement.
A teacher at Regent Square Municipal School noted:
“Many pupils sit in class with nothing to write with. These pouches solve a daily problem and help us teach more effectively.”
Students expressed pride as they opened their pouches and began using their new pencils.
One pupil said:
“I feel ready for school now. I don’t have to borrow anymore.”
Sylvester Renner, President & Founder of Develop Africa, shared the purpose behind the initiative:
“A pencil is small, but the opportunity it unlocks is enormous. When a child is equipped to write, to draw, to imagine, their future opens up. Today, because of the generosity of our supporters, 10,000 children now have the tools to learn confidently.”
A Collective Effort:
Donors, partners, and volunteers supported the campaign. The teams from Develop Africa, GEED Foundation, and Freetown City Council coordinated the distribution across all 20 schools.
Photos and video clips from the distribution show pupils celebrating, teachers expressing relief, and volunteers helping to deliver supplies across multiple communities.
About Develop Africa
Develop Africa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to equipping children and youth in Africa with education, training, and life-building resources. Since 2006, Develop Africa has supported tens of thousands of students through scholarships, school supplies, computer training, and community-led programs.
More information about this campaign and photos are available on the Year of The Pencil Website and Year of The Pencil Videos Playlist.
Sylvester Renner
Develop Africa
sylvester@developafrica.org
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We did it - we set a record - 100,000 pencils delivered to 10,000 children in 1 day!
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