The Pencils and Erasers Foundation

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ‘’

Nelson Mandela.

In a small valley of Swat, meet 10 year old Amina sitting under a shade of tree, clutching her books as if they were her most precious possessions. Just a year ago, school was an unfathomable dream for her. Today, Amina dreams of becoming a doctor and coming back to her village to help her neighbors who cannot afford medical treatment. Thanks to Pencils and Erasers, such dreams are now possible for the village’s children. 

In Pakistan, millions of elementary students like Amina are deprived of the possibilities and doors opened by education. Indeed poverty, societal norms and lack of government support bar thousands of young minds from schools. In the face of these circumstances, charities like Pencils and Erasers emerge as a beacon of hope bringing these children a step closer to their dreams.

Established in January 2020, Pencils and Erasers has aimed to transform the lives of thousands of children through education, greater social awareness and civic mindedness. Indeed founded with the vision of an educated and empowered Pakistan, Pencils and Erasers is working to help students access education, irrespective of their background, gender or social status. To this end, the charity has helped 30+ schools over the course of two years in the valley of Swat, facilitating economically disadvantaged children with stationery items, uniforms and subsidized tuition and transportation. As of January 2025, the charity is fully funding the education expenses of 430 students enrolled in 8 different elementary schools in Swat.

In areas where schools are inaccessible, Pencils and Erasers has worked with community leaders and transportation officials to reduce commute times and find additional mediums through which students can get to class. In this respect, the flagship project of the charity has been the construction of Raza Khan Primary School in Sandoka. By opening the school at the base of the village, average commute times have been reduced by 92% from 4 hours to 20 minutes.  

Though Pencils and Erasers is leading efforts to enable increased access to education for disadvantaged students, much work remains. Together we must eliminate the various kinds of obstacles blocking stories like Amina’s and strive to make a better and brighter future for all.

If you are interested in following our existing initiatives or would like to volunteer and contribute, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

By Hania Malik

Staff Writer,

Pencils and Erasers