By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ponelopele Oracle learners at the roadshow with Siphesihle Vazi and Lindokuhle Ndlovu. Photo: Zanele Mfaba.
BIC Stationery has officially launched its 2026 “Let Your Full School Story Out” campaign initiative, aimed at empowering South African students to turn their personal experiences into stories of inspiration and leadership.
The stationery manufacturer launched the initiative at Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School in Midrand today in an effort to encourage learners to document their aspirations.
It is understood that the programme has recorded a great impact with two learners winning a competition. This year’s competition focuses on academic perseverance, challenging students to reflect on navigating the school system and the importance of education in shaping their futures.
Hosted by South African actor and TV presenter Siphesihle Vazi, the event featured a live show combining relevant and inspiring storytelling, performances and audience participation.
This included a powerful narrative-driven experience, live interviews with past winners, and interactive elements such as a Let Your Full School Story Out dance challenge with learners.
As part of this initiative, 15 deserving learners will be awarded SDC-sponsored learnerships, providing access to 12-month, accredited programmes that blend 30% theory with 70% practical workplace experience. Backed by SDC’s strong track record of equipping over 23,000 graduates with in-demand skills across fields such as marketing, project management, insurance, and cybersecurity, these learnerships offer a meaningful pathway into the world of work.
Past winners, including Elisa Mafemane, Thimna Thala and Thandeka Ncube, highlighted the impact of the programme’s edutainment approach, sharing how it shaped their perspectives, inspired them to put pen to paper and revealed the power of writing as a tool for self-expression, reflection and personal growth.
BIC marketing manager Amy Whittam said, “We felt the need to do the roadshow and bring the Let your full school story out competition to the school, because we felt like we wanted to encourage and motivate learners that they do have it in them to do good, and that we are here to support them.”
“We also understand some of the challenges they face in school and it’s something as simple as having a pen and putting it to paper that will allow them to get to the end of their school journey.”
Since 2012, BIC has donated over 16 million pens to underprivileged students and in 2025 alone, BIC reached:
- 268 primary schools
- 607 high schools and
Donated:
- Over 1,883,030 pens and
- 116,997 pencils
In 2026, the campaign will continue this work with a planned distribution of:
- 895,000 pens and 105,000 pencils
- With the aim to reach just under 300 primary and high schools
Through Let Your Full School Story Out, BIC reinforces a powerful message: while every learner’s journey includes challenges, the choices they make today shape how their story unfolds, and how they ultimately let their full school story out.
For more information on how BIC remains committed to supporting education through its CSR initiative visit www.bic.com/csr-initiative.