BIC’s global education week initiative, in collaboration with Bata Toughees, transforms RW Fick Secondary School
A spark of possibility lit up RW Fick Secondary School, as BIC and Bata Toughees joined forces to support South African learners in a powerful way, revitalising the school and providing school shoes to the learners.
In an inspiring show of support for South African youth, global stationery leader BIC, in partnership with Bata Toughees, transformed RW Fick Secondary School on November 6, bringing a fresh breath of hope to the Bosmont community. Marking Global Education Week, BIC’s: Together, We Can Make the Future Write, campaign left a lasting impact, providing each learner with essential writing tools and a brand-new pair of Bata Toughees shoes.
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This collaboration not only filled backpacks but also supported educational success in South Africa, which struggles with a 41% school dropout rate due to resource shortages. BIC’s: Buy a Pen, Donate a Pen, initiative donates one pen for each purchased, with millions already given to learners in need, demonstrating its commitment to accessible education.
BIC staff arrived at RW Fick Secondary School in full force, rolling up their sleeves to make a tangible difference. Beyond donating essential supplies, they installed cement bins throughout the school to promote cleanliness and provided ten benches inscribed with uplifting messages to inspire learners daily. With paintbrushes in hand, the team refreshed the railings, soccer goal posts, and netball goal posts – revitalising spaces where learners gather, play, and grow. This hands-on effort was more than just a facelift, it was a show of dedication to creating an environment that uplifts and motivates.
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Lillian Henderson, BIC’s marketing director for Southern and East Africa, underscored this commitment, saying, “Our work is about more than just providing supplies, it’s about empowering our youth with tools that shape their cognitive growth, memory, and self-expression. Education remains central to our mission, and Global Education Week is an important milestone in our journey.”
Bata Toughees, renowned for its sturdy, reliable school shoes, brought an equally heartfelt contribution. “By joining hands with BIC, we’re not just supporting students, but helping to shape the future of South Africa,” said Trevor Mkhize, Bata Toughees’ brand manager. Their partnership reflects a broader vision, illustrating how the private sector can join together to strengthen education and inspire the next generation.
For RW Fick Secondary School, the impact is already visible. Refurbished classrooms and refreshed common spaces now greet learners with an atmosphere that fosters ambition. Simon Mlambo, principal of RW Fick Secondary School, expressed his gratitude: “To see the dedication of BIC’s team and witness our facilities rejuvenated is beyond heartwarming. These efforts send a powerful message to our students – that they are valued and capable of achieving great things.”
Since 2012, BIC’s: Buy a Pen, Donate a Pen, programme has donated over 16 million pens across South Africa, each one a small but meaningful step toward a brighter future. As BIC continues to support 250 million learners worldwide by 2025, this week’s initiative at RW Fick Secondary School serves as a reminder that real change begins with a simple act, one pen, and one learner, at a time.
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