“You have to keep breathing because tomorrow the sun may shine”.  “Keep on keep on”

The pencil project is a wonderful book. I enjoyed reading it and am trying to get my 14-year-old daughter to read it too. The author is an excellent writer.

For me, there is not much difference between the teachers - Mr. Kent in the USA and Mr. Etoundi in Cameroon. Although both teachers were from two different continents, two different cultures, yet both loved their callings, loved their children/students immensely and did all they can to impact their lives.

The pencil project was an intensely inspiring read. It shows how young people motivated with hearts ablaze can make a difference in the lives of others. In this instance lives of others in Far-flung places where they have no obvious connection. It is also a story about reaching out and making friendships. In today’s world where barriers are erected based on differences of race, religion or nationality this story provides an excellent example of how to do things differently.I believe in every community there are several Mr. Kent’s.

Innovative writer and teacher James Ryan Orr has written a classic true story as exciting and world-moving as the movies of his fictional namesake James Bond. James’ Pencil Project deserves a place of honor as essential reading in schools - and all teacher training institutions - particularly in the West and in Africa. Pencil Project projects the destiny-changing classroom magic of two emotionally intelligent conjurers or better known as teachers. This is a novelty in these days where IQ is overrated, and EQ relegated to the Cinderella of the Education system.

Can a single snowball be the cause of an avalanche? Can a gust of wind cause a devastating hurricane? Can a tiny domino tile have a massive impact? In a world where people despair for the lack of significant investments for solving today’s problems, this lively and engaging compilation of fresh an original writings offers the possibility of another feasible approach, starting with just a pencil.

The Pencil Project is a heartwarming story of kids who changed the world and the amazing chain of events that followed. Any memories I might have from fourth-grade would probably involve the playground, but Mr. Kent’s students have memories worth cherishing. Orr’s story first brings me back to those carefree years of play and happiness. Within a few pages, however, I started to gain a new perspective of how different things are for students in other parts of the world. Now I find myself wishing that I had been challenged to “change the world” by my fourth-grade teacher.

Video provides background on how Colleen started to collect pencils for kids in Africa. Her pencil collection drive led to the writing of the Pencil Project Book by James Ryan Orr, Author. 

The video includes clips of Louis (Grandfather) and Ivy (Mother) during a visit to Develop Africa's office in Tennessee, November 2017.

Colleen explains to us that she felt bad when she heard of kids in Africa that did not have pencils. Pencils help kids to understand better and remember when they take notes.