Shoot For A Cause: The Black Pencil Project Photo Exploration

Please email us at blackpencilproject@gmail.com for inquiries.

Changing the world, one pencil at a time

Changing the world one pencil at a time
By Trina Lagura, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/24/2008 9:53 AM

Early June of this year, friends Edmond Corpuz, Edwin Karganilla and Zer Cabatuan took a time off their respective busy lives in the city to do the other thing that they love, photography, which they fondly refer to as their "stress-reliever."

They were gunning for the scenic spot of the famous Banaue rice terraces in Ifugao province. Armed with their lens and P500 worth of black pencils, they set out on their trek. Their cameras were for the landscape and the black pencils were for the local children who would usually mob new faces.Read more

Thanks Ms. Trina for having a faith on the story.

Microminds Partners With Black Pencil Project

The moment I told Microminds about the project, they immediately said yes.



Donors of Black Pencil Project will recieved a Limited Edition Black Pencil Keychain.

These Limited Edition Black Pencil Keychains will also be made available courtesy of Microminds for P200 pesos only. Portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase 2 dozen of jumbo pencils in your behalf.

To place your order, please email blackpencilproject@gmail.com

Rain.. Rain.. Rain.. Go Away

It's very unfortunate that the bad weather is preventing us to push our schedule this month, hopefully the 1st or second week of August.

Anyways, our heartfelt thanks to everyone who extends their support, pledges and donation to the project. I have received your informations already and will do schedule when pick up the items.

By the way, I passed by Binondo yesterday and was surprised to see school suppliers so I canvassed prices -

Php 20.00 - 12pcs. Jumbo Pencils (Black Pencils)
Php 4.50 - Crayons 12's

We're looking at the possibility to create 'packages' to go with pencils depending on the resources available. I realized a 50 pesos worth of school items would be a handful already.

Please send us your thoughts at blackpencilproject@gmail.com.

Why Black Pencils?

There is a logic behind the black pencils, usually this is the type of pencil prescribed to kinder up to grade 3 because of its size and grip for most public schools around the country. So logically, we're targeting only those who are entering Grades 1 to 3.

Why?

These ages are the segment where they're most excited to go to school and yet very vulnerable.

In the remote places, only Primary School is offered (Grades 1-3), so kids entering Intermediate (Grade 4- 6) will have to walk to the nearest barangay in their area to be able to attend classes.

In some areas, because of poverty, kids instead of going to school, opt to help their parents doing farm errands in particularly during cropping season which happens in the middle of school year.

Having this scenario, its hard to address everything and we (as an individuals) can only give so much. I am sure some organizations are already doing that (giving books, bags, slippers) and we want to focus to areas where we think we are most effective.

Make Your Mark

Black Pencil Project Logo



Black Pencil Project Slogan




Black Pencil Project URL



I'd like to think that this campaign is about inspiring people to make their ideas happen no matter how small it is.

Download hi-res file from here.

Moving Hearts

We've been receiving favorable support from friends and strangers, expressing interest and and some even made several pledges.
We're planning to go back either later part of July or 2nd week of August so we can take advantage of the enthusiasm of the kids in going to school. An informal study says that kids drop out is observed at the second quarter of the school year between September - November (in time for cropping season for most areas in the country).

Some suggested materials you may wish to contribute:

1. Black Pencils
2. Ballpens
3. Sharpener
4. Notebooks
5. Crayons
6. Erasers
7. Pad Paper

While we are nailing down our itinerary and final schedule, please keep your thoughts coming on how we can work together in this cause.

Again, thank you for sharing with us your ideas, valuable resources and your time.

The Black Pencil Project