Stemming the tide of South Africa’s school dropouts
Stemming the tide of South Africa’s school dropouts
Image supplied BIC South Africa
South Africa has an extremely high school dropout rate, with over 41% of learners who enter Grade 1 dropping out before they complete their schooling. Many factors contribute to the high dropout rate, but the most common theme is a lack of resources.
These resources can be educational materials like books and stationery, school uniforms and transport. However, for too many children, the situation extends to a lack of nutritious food, a shortage of qualified teachers and safe spaces for learning.
BIC has teamed up with Zero Dropout to raise awareness about the issues that contribute to the problem and encourage South Africans to get involved in helping to stem the tide of school dropouts.
Zero Dropout demonstrates what it takes to help learners complete Grade 12, using data to reduce dropout, highlighting the importance of school culture in pushing learners away from school and testing strategies to prevent dropout.
Resources are an important factor in keeping learners in school. This is why BIC contributes to many schools, learners and teachers in need nationwide and has donated 16 million pens since 2012 through the Buy a Pen Donate a Pen initiative.
BIC reaches out to thousands of learners of all ages, including Grade 3 students who get their pen licence and matric learners preparing to sit their crucial final exams. This is to ensure they have an essential resource to complete their exams. And because change starts with one, BIC takes the opportunity to package these pens with encouraging messages to motivate seniors ahead of their final exams.
One moment, one action, can change a child’s life forever. Change Starts with One is a concept which is perfectly embodied in Paralympian track athlete, Mpumelelo Mhlongo, whose inspirational story is a great example of how individual efforts, the right environment, and access to relevant resources can create a hero – despite very challenging circumstances.
“As a South African child who needed a cheerleader, I understand the difference that the support of a community can make. Someone took a chance on me and that completely changed the course of my life,”
he explained.
Choose BIC back-to-school essentials this January, which are available from leading retail outlets nationally, including Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers, Spar and TakeAlot.
Select specially marked BIC products at your favorite retailer and BIC will donate a pen for every BIC pen purchased.
You’ll be buying a great quality pen. At the same time, you’re making it possible for BIC to provide crucial resources to children across the country.
Take that first step
Share how Mpumi Mhlongo inspires you or ask your child to explain how his story can be applied to school. Use #ChangeStartsWithOne and share on social media. Tag us on Facebook and Instagram and be the one to start the change!
Image supplied by BIC South Africa
About BIC
A global leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, BIC brings simplicity and joy to everyday life. For 80 years, BIC’s commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable, and trusted products has established BIC as a symbol of reliability and innovation. With a presence in over 160 countries, and 14,000 team members worldwide, BIC’s portfolio includes iconic brands and products such as BIC® 4-Color™, BodyMark®, Cello®, Cristal®, Inkbox®, BIC Kids®, Lucky™, Rocketbook®, Tattly®, Tipp-Ex®, Wite-Out®, Djeep®, EZ Load™, EZ Reach®, BIC® Flex™, Soleil® and more. Listed on Euronext Paris and included in the SBF120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes, BIC is also recognized for its steadfast commitment to sustainability and education. For more, visit www.corporate.bic.com and to see BIC’s full range of products visit www.bic.com. Follow BIC on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
