The goal of Pens for Kids is to get pens to kids in Africa to assist them with getting an education. To raise standards of living, make informed decisions, and have a greater freedom of choice requires education. The hope for the future in Africa is through education.
The original Pens for Kids idea came from a Danish tourist named Claus Hjomet who visited Kenya and Tanzania and, like most who visit, fell in love with Africa and wanted to help the kids.
In 2008, Linda Schaffer, another safari tourist, wanted to expand the grass-roots project in an effort to reach more kids and develop greater support. She started Pens For Kids International, Inc., a California based non-profit corporation.
Still based exclusively on volunteer work, Pens for Kids has no employees and relies solely on donations of pens and monetary contributions for postage.
Pens for Kids remains free of any political or religious influence, motives of economical or any interests other than helping kids in Africa to get an education.