A few words
About Us
History
Our story started 20 years ago in a school in Germany when a couple of friends got together to send pens to South Africa.
There’s power in a single pen. It can start stories, solve mathematical puzzles, create paintings, and so much more. Unfortunately, there are still children in this world who don’t even have access to a simple pencil. Their parents are so poor that they can only dream of colorful pens, markers, or crayons.
It’s in your hands to make a direct change in these children’s lives. I know you can because I did it when I was young. Twenty years ago, a friend returned to Germany after spending a year in South Africa. Her host mother was a teacher at a rural school. My friend told me that the children didn’t even have pencils to learn how to write. I was so shocked that I immediately declared: „We can change that!“ I gathered a few friends, and together, we collected two big boxes full of all kinds of pens and raised the money for the shipping costs. A few weeks later, we received a letter with photographs of the happy children with our pens.
To this day, this is one of my proudest accomplishments. It taught me that I am not helpless when faced with the sad realities that exist in this world. There’s always something I can do if I really want to and if I’m willing to put in a little effort.
This short experience gave me a sense of agency in the face of very large global problems. I’ve learned that every change I want to see truly starts with me—my actions, my choices, my way of being in the world. I would love for you to have a similar experience. You don’t need to wait for anyone else to address something that bothers you.
On a very small scale, you can start doing something—either for yourself or for someone else. Both will make this world a little better. Once you realize that doing something for someone else is actually doing something very good for yourself too, it becomes a win-win situation all around.
If you feel inspired to collect some pens for children who will cherish them, go ahead. Choose a school and embark on a pen collecting rally—either on your own at home (but please ask your parents before you donate that Montblanc Fountain Pen) or with your friends or classmates.
I can’t wait to read about your pen adventures!
Love,
Kristin