Pens of Promise

PensofPromise_DonateStationery

Scribble and Scratch Launches Pens of Promise – A Fun-Filled Mission to Bring Stationery Smiles Across South Africa
Written by Camilla Hyson

As I wrapped up my time as founder of a prominent bakery in Johannesburg in 2023, one word stayed with me. One word that I would miss dearly. One word that I couldn’t live without. One word that I needed to return to: people.

Having spent 10 years working alongside the most talented and hardworking individuals, I’ve come to appreciate the networks and opportunities I have to uplift and support those in need. Beyond financial gain, it’s about making meaningful connections and addressing real challenges for people in our local communities.

Now, with Scribble and Scratch almost a year old, it’s time to introduce a project that’s been in the works even before this business began: Pens of Promise.

This project aims to deliver as many pens and pencils as possible to children across South Africa, tackling a critical gap in access to basic educational tools. In some areas, a single pencil is shared among 30 children, highlighting the urgent need to empower young learners with the resources they deserve.

Here’s some simple maths: a pencil costs R3. To supply a classroom of 30 children with one pencil each costs R90. That’s the equivalent of two Seattle cappuccinos. Affordable, right?

The consequences of children not having basic supplies are dire: reduced classroom participation, impaired learning, and increased dropout rates. But rather than dwell on the problem, let’s focus on the solution.

Building a Brighter Future

We believe every child deserves a fair shot at success—and that starts with having the right tools. That’s why we’re diving headfirst into this project to fill pencil cases and classrooms with the essentials kids need to thrive.

We’ve carefully selected seven children in need and aim to provide each child with a full stationery box to support their potential in 2025. These children's parents have a direct relationship with Scribble and Scratch and we know how desperate the need is for each child to have a brighter year and to provide some financial relief to the parents. Many of these children have chosen maths as their favourite subject (no surprise there!) and aspire to careers as vets, doctors, and pilots—professions South Africa certainly needs more of.

When we asked them how we could make learning more fun, their answers were simple: Access to paint and colouring pencils.

How Can You Help?

You can make a difference by purchasing a child’s stationery box or a Pens of Promise voucher, which we’ll assign to one of the selected children.

  • Each stationery box costs R1,000.
  • Buy your voucher here
  • Want to know what each stationery pack includes? Click here to see each child.
  • To protect the privacy of the children, we’ve used pseudonyms.

Scribble and Scratch’s Contribution

To kick things off, Scribble and Scratch is donating R200 towards every child’s stationery package. This reduces the final cost of each box to R800.

We’ll also ensure that every box is packed with love, care, and a whole lot of excitement. Each stationery box will include a complimentary craft kit and plenty of colour to brighten their school year.

As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

About Scribble and Scratch

Scribble and Scratch is an online store dedicated to stationery, arts, and crafts. It’s where stationery dreams come true! We’re all about sparking creativity, supporting meaningful causes, and ensuring students everywhere have the tools they need to excel.

Join us on this exciting journey and let’s make magic happen!

To find out more, visit www.scribbleandscratch.co.za or WhatsApp us at 072 233 9503. You can chat directly with our Chief Magic Maker, Camilla Hyson.