In 2006, we visited a remote village in The country of kenya in East Africa called Kimoso , where we met about 20 or more children crouched on the ground under a thorny tree and clad in tattered clothes with the sheen of the bright red dust,writing on the ground with sticks. It took us some time to realize these children were actually having a school lesson.

The average family income in rural African villages like Kimoso is $25 (U.S.). A pencil in a local store costs $.25 (U.S.) and a simple writing book costs $.40 (U.S.). Parents have to choose between putting a meal on the table and buying pens and paper. It is impossible to describe the conditions in which these families survive, but we hope to convey the eagerness these children have to learn. Although they live in harrowing circumstances, the children of Kimoso have the same youthful curiosity our children have. They just don't have the same resources.

We were so moved by what we saw that we knew we had to do something. But for months we didn't know what to do! And then one evening the inspiration came. While rummaging for a pen in a bedside drawer, I realized I had no less than 40 pens in just that drawer alone. In less than half hour,we pulled out more than 100 pens that we didn't need from various drawers and containers, and there were still plenty of pens to use in the house!

With the help of friends and family, we have now established the March of Pens Foundation. Our goal is simply to collect pens, pencils and monetary donations to purchase paper for the children of Kimoso for starters and then for as many more poor children as we can reach in the future.

Our goal was first kicked off by 10 lbs. of pens from Verizon! In December 2006, we traveled to Kenya and using our luggage allowance, we were able to carry over 200 lbs of pens, pencils and crayons donated by generous givers such as yourself. Through the Catholic Mission in Kimoso, we delivered the suppies to over 1,200 delighted boys and girls. And now the March goes on, Join us Together , we can make a difference, one pen at a time.

Magero Family Maryland, USA