Back to blog

Our Mission: Why We Started 20 Pencils and Our Goals

6 min read • Written by: Riya Parikh

Welcome to 20 Pencils, the platform that aims to transform lives through education and empower the world's young minds with the tools they need to succeed. In this blog post, we'll take you through the inspiring journey of why we started 20 Pencils and share our ambitious goals for the future.

The Genesis of 20 Pencils

The story of 20 Pencils began with a vision—a vision to bridge the educational gap and create equal opportunities for all. As our Founder, Riya Parikh, looked around, she noticed that not every child had access to quality education and the necessary resources to unleash their full potential. Many brilliant minds were held back simply because they lacked the basic tools, like pencils and notebooks, that most of us take for granted.

In many parts of the world, including the U.S., educational resources are scarce, and impoverished communities struggle to provide even the most fundamental supplies. This realization struck a chord with Riya. She believed that education is the key to unlocking human potential and driving positive change in society.

Driven by this shared vision, 20 Pencils was born—a platform that connects donors, volunteers, and schools in need to empower children with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Our mission is to democratize education and level the playing field so that every child, regardless of their background, can access the same educational opportunities.

Our Core Values

At 20 Pencils, we uphold certain core values that guide every decision and action we take:

  1. Education for All

We firmly believe that every child has the right to education. It is not a privilege reserved for the few but a fundamental right that must be accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical location.

  1. Empowerment Through Knowledge

Knowledge is the most powerful tool we possess, and it has the potential to transform lives. By empowering children with education, we enable them to break free from the chains of poverty and create a better future for themselves and their communities.

  1. Transparency and Accountability

We are committed to transparency in our operations and financial dealings. We take the responsibility of managing resources and donor funds seriously and ensure that they are utilized efficiently and effectively to achieve our goals.

  1. Collaboration and Community

We understand that real change comes from working together. We foster a strong sense of community among our donors, volunteers, and partner schools, encouraging them to collaborate and share ideas for continuous improvement.

Our Goals for the Future

While we are proud of the impact we have made so far, we know that there is much more to be done. Looking ahead, our vision for 20 Pencils includes:

  1. Expanding Our Reach

Our ultimate goal is to touch the lives of millions of children worldwide. We are committed to expanding our reach to remote and marginalized communities, where the need for educational support is the greatest.

  1. Advocating for Education

Education is not just about providing supplies; it's also about advocating for policy changes and systemic improvements. We plan to actively engage with governments and organizations to create a conducive environment for education.

  1. Embracing Technology

Technology has the power to revolutionize education, and we aim to harness its potential fully. By leveraging digital tools and platforms, we can extend our impact and bring quality education to even more children.

  1. Fostering Sustainable Solutions

Our efforts go beyond short-term solutions. We are committed to fostering sustainability in education, ensuring that the communities we serve can continue to thrive long after our intervention.

How You Can Help

Join us on this incredible journey of empowering young minds and shaping a brighter future. There are numerous ways you can make a difference:

Donate: Your contributions, no matter how big or small, can go a long way in providing educational supplies and infrastructure to children in need.

Volunteer: Become a part of our passionate community of volunteers and directly engage with schools and children, sharing your knowledge and skills.

Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness about the importance of education and the impact of 20 Pencils by sharing our mission with your friends and family.

Partner with Us: If you represent a school or organization that aligns with our values, let's collaborate to create a greater impact together.

Conclusion

At 20 Pencils, our mission is rooted in the belief that education has the power to break down barriers and transform lives. We started this journey with a dream of a world where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Through the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and partners, we are confident that we can achieve this vision.

Together, let's pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future—one pencil at a time.

Reach the World. Giving Made Easy with Impact.

Riya Parikh