Frequently Asked Questions

The core value of Pencils for Africa is the human connection: PFA wants used pencils, which human beings on one side of the planet (America, Europe and so on) have already used and then, we want to allow this opportunity for children in Africa as well – like a relay – whereupon they now also use the same pencil. It is the connection of humanity that drives the pencil drive.
– Karim Ajania, Editor-in-Chief, Mezimbite Magazine

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Q: Can we send new pencils as well as used pencils?
Q: Can we send money as well as used pencils?
Q: Are there tax deduction opportunities for us if I send these used pencils?
Q: Will you pay any of the postage costs for sending the used pencils to the designated Pencils for Africa PO Box?
Q: Will we get any recognition for sending the pencils – will our names be mentioned on the website, or on some donor list that we can be referred to?
Q: Will we receive a Thank You Note from PFA for our donation of pencils?
Q: Will we receive a Thank You Note from any of the children who benefit from the used pencils we send them – or their teachers – or their parents – or their community elder?
Q: Will you inform us of where our pencils end up – to what country on the African continent; or to what town; or to what school or community?
Q: Do you have a maximum limit on the quantity of how many pencils you accept?
Q: Do you have a minimum requirement of how many pencils we can send out?
Q: Can we send other art supplies such as paper for drawing, paints, ink, brushes, pens, charcoal, sharpeners for the used pencils, erasers… as well as used pencils?
Q: Can we get companies to sponsor these children and the schools the children attend where they will be using these pencils to draw with?
Q: Why can we not send new pencils as well as used pencils?
Q. What if we sent an anonymous letter to the potential recipients of the pencils with just a friendly note about who we are, where we live, perhaps even a photograph or two – is that fine to include in the envelope with the used pencils – will you deliver that to Africa for us?
Q: With all the used pencils there will be an added demand for more erasers and more pencil sharpeners – how will you handle that demand?
Q: Can we send used color pencils as well as used black lead pencils?
Q: Can we send mechanical pencils?
Q: Can we send pencils with used, broken, or nonexistent erasers?