Making a difference by building schools. Be inspired.

Pencils of Promise, or PoP for short, is a fantastic non-profit organisation that builds schools and gives opportunities for education in developing countries.

Founded by Adam Braun in October 2008, the charity works in Guatemala, Laos, Nicaragua and Ghana. Since then, the organisation has distributed 1,047 scholarships, built 304 schools and supported 182 teachers. There programme WASH teaches kids about water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as providing facilities for over 5,000 students.

The name Pencils of Promise comes from an incident in India when Braun was visiting. When he asked a poor child in the street what he wanted most of all, the boy answered “a pencil”.

To help you get a clearer understanding of their goals and visions they have lots of inspiring videos over on their Youtube channel.

Pencils of Promise also have support from a few celebrities. Back in 2012 Justin Bieber donated $10,000 to Pencils of Promise. Magnum Ice Cream held a competition where fans were asked to vote between musicians Bieber, Usher, Jordin Sparks and Nelly Furtado. The musician with the most votes could donate the money to the charity of their choice. Justin Bieber emerged victorious and generously split the $20,000 reward between Pencils of Promise and Make a Wish Foundation.

Source(s): Pencils of Promise