BIC’s Holistic Approach to Education

The rapid evolution of the global economy and the increasing demand for a skilled workforce have underscored the importance of youth skills development. As globalization continues to shape economic landscapes, an innovative and skilled workforce is crucial for enhancing economic growth and development.

In a statement, it was noted that research published on ResearchGate supports this perspective, revealing that the quality of the labor force is directly proportional to economic growth and sustained, dynamic development.

The statement further explained that recognizing the critical role that youth play in economic advancement, it becomes essential to invest in their education and skills development. According to the United Nations, over 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years account for 16 percent of the global population.

The statement further explained that investing in the demographic through quality education and practical skills training is vital for sustainable economic growth and social progress.

It remarked that numerous private and public organizations have invested in supporting the education space through various initiatives.

According to the statement, “BIC’s commitment to improve learning conditions for 250 million students by 2025 has taken various forms across Africa. BIC’s educational initiatives are designed to provide holistic support encompassing formal education, skill-building, and personal development.

“The company’s commitment to promoting access to quality education and supporting educational development from childhood to adulthood is evident through its diverse programmes. These initiatives include donating learning materials, improving learning environments, equipping teachers with professional skills, and providing mentorship and internship opportunities to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce.

“A major aspect of BIC’s support for education involves bridging the educational gap by providing essential resources to underserved communities.

“The BIC Corporate Foundation’s “Writing the Future Together” initiative aims to improve learning conditions and highlight the developmental benefits of handwriting. By donating millions of school supplies to students worldwide, this initiative addresses the stationery needs of diverse students.

It would be recalled that in 2022, BIC donated over 2.5 million learning materials during Global Education Week, and in 2023, the company marked the sixth anniversary of its largest corporate giving initiative by donating 4.4 million writing instruments to classrooms and communities.

The statement noted that these efforts have significantly improved literacy rates and learning environments for nearly 200 million children globally.

The statement remarked that creative skills are acknowledged to be an essential part of a decent education, adding that a study on Enhancing Creativity in the School Environment published by the Research Gate emphasized the role of creativity in both the educational and developmental growth and advancement of individuals.

The statement asserted that the initiative demonstrates its strong commitment to promoting creativity in education, BIC encourages students to express themselves, explore new ideas, and develop their creative potential.

Continuing, the statement said: “The BIC Art Master competition invites young artists to demonstrate their creativity. Participants create original artworks using BIC products, with winners receiving scholarships, art supplies, and opportunities to exhibit their work.

“More so, in an attempt to contribute to the existing research on the nexus between creativity and education, the BIC Corporate Foundation in conjunction with the International Society for the Study of Creativity and Innovation (ISSCI) developed an insightful report on Creativity in Education with insights from over 77 contributors and 44 experienced researchers across 22 countries. According to the research, the inside-school environment serves as a motivational drive in producing high creative achievements in students. Therefore, when developing programs to enhance creative potential, both teachers’ perceptions of creativity and students’ cognitive and emotional capabilities must be taken into consideration.

“Ultimately, the report contains insights which aim to assist educators and stakeholders in the education sector embed creativity into education systems, policies, and practices across the globe.

“Skill development outside of formal education plays a critical role in redefining the replete essence of education. An article published by the WorldBank on Skills and Workforce Development leans towards this position, and agrees that skills development is at the center of changes happening in education and labor markets amid the global megatrends.

“Recognizing this, BIC launched the Mentor Me Program to provide youth with the opportunity to gain practical knowledge in various business skills including Product Conceptualization, Negotiation skills, Product Branding, Sales and Marketing. Inaugurated in partnership with Enactus, the world’s largest experiential education platform, the six-year project aims towards inspiring students to improve the world through entrepreneurial action.

“In pursuit of a comprehensive approach to promoting quality education, BIC implemented the Canvas of Change initiative to provide professional development opportunities for teachers. Through workshops and seminars on effective teaching strategies, classroom management, and curriculum development, the organization has equipped teachers with the tools needed to bridge the gap between traditional education and professional readiness. This initiative strives to create a more effective and inspiring learning environment for students, ultimately contributing to their holistic development.

“As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, it is essential to recognize the vital role organizations like BIC play in supporting education and empowering the next generation. Through comprehensive initiatives focused on education, skill development, and creativity, BIC is helping to build a brighter future for young people by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a globalized world. By addressing educational gaps, fostering creativity, promoting practical skills, and empowering educators, BIC continues to make a significant impact on the educational landscape, driving sustainable growth and development.”