About us
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JANE MOORE, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Since high school, I had dreamed of traveling to Africa, a dream that came true in 2005. Long an advocate for wildlife, I went to see in real life what I had only seen in documentaries, but I was touched even more by the people, a people of easy laughter and difficult living.
Having been an educator for forty years, I was overwhelmed by children’s eager desire to learn in spite of meager, and sometimes nonexistent, educational resources. After returning home, I began to dream another dream, this time of building school facilities for the children we had met. That dream has come true in the structures we have either completely or partially funded through the donations of our wonderful friends who have given so much over these past nine years.
Now we start a new chapter—partnering with two incredible schools making such an impact on their students—students who will become the future leaders of Tanzania.
We look forward to going back to Tanzania to witness your generosity in motion at these schools— seeing the projects you’ve made possible and meeting the scholarship students to whom you’ve given wings.
We know all this happens because of you--our loyal and new friends I fervently believe that if we have a goal, we will reach it. We have a goal of giving each school $10,000 every year. We will reach it.
DALE BELL, FOUNDER AND CO-DIRECTOR
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Tanzania, Africa with my family. That trip changed my life forever. It was not the adventure and excitement of seeing animals on safari so much as the people who did and still do impact my life. Just after arriving in Arusha, I visited a primary school on Mt. Meru. The children were excited about learning. The energy was definitely in the room. What these children had was the hope of learning and increased opportunity. I made the commitment then to contribute to help other children in Tanzania have this opportunity. Often our students here take education for granted. I knew that these children would not.
Who knows what incredible things might happen if more children were given an opportunity to learn? What capable and gifted leaders, inventors, educators, doctors, humanitarians might step forward if we can provide a place for them to learn?
ADVISORY BOARD
The Advisory Board is a group of dedicated educators and service club leaders who have invested in Pencils and Dreams with gifts of time, advice, expertise and money. They serve as idea people, researchers, designers of fundraisers, sounding boards, marketing gurus, financial advisors, and critical friends.
Linda Childress
Loretta Cudney
Carolyn Kegarice
Barbara Peterson
Georgia Renne
Paula Sciortino
Bev Siddons
Dawn Walsh
Pencils and Dreams is a fundraising partner with vetted organizations and schools that improve educational options for children in Tanzania.
When Pencils and Dreams began in 2009, we were inspired by something Arthur Ashe said:
Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Do what you can.
Through our supporters, we have turned passion and persistence into buildings and support for children who value and have demonstrated the difference education can make in the lives of students, families, and communities.
FOUNDERS AND DIRECTORS
DALE BELL
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Tanzania, Africa with my family. That trip changed my life forever. It was not the adventure and excitement of seeing animals on safari so much as the people who did and still do impact my life. Just after arriving in Arusha, I visited a primary school on Mt. Meru. The children were excited about learning. The energy was definitely in the room. What these children had was the hope of learning and increased opportunity. I made the commitment then to contribute to help other children in Tanzania have this opportunity. Often our students here take education for granted. I knew that these children would not.
Who knows what incredible things might happen if more children were given an opportunity to learn? What capable and gifted leaders, inventors, educators, doctors, humanitarians might step forward if we can provide a place for them to learn?
JANE MOORE
Since high school, I had dreamed of traveling to Africa, a dream that came true in 2005. Long an advocate for wildlife, I went to see in real life what I had only seen in documentaries, but I was touched even more by the people, a people of easy laughter and difficult living.
Having been an educator for forty years, I was overwhelmed by children’s eager desire to learn in spite of meager, and sometimes nonexistent, educational resources. After returning home, I began to dream another dream, this time of building school facilities for the children we had met. That dream has come true in the structures we have either completely or partially funded through the donations of our wonderful friends who have given so much over these past nine years.
Now we start a new chapter—partnering with two incredible schools making such an impact on their students—students who will become the future leaders of Tanzania.
We look forward to going back to Tanzania a fourth time to witness your generosity in motion at these schools— seeing the projects you’ve made possible and meeting the scholarship students to whom you’ve given wings.
We know all this happens because of you--our loyal and new friends. I fervently believe that if we have a goal, we will reach it. We have a goal of giving each school $10,000 every year. We will reach it.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Certificate of Appreciation from The Ayalabe Community, Karatu District, Tanzania
Certificate of Recognition from Jose Medina, Assembly Member, 61st District
Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Representative Mark Takano
International Project of the Year for the Inland Empire Reading Council
Ruby Award for Women Helping Women from Soroptimist International of Moreno Valley
The Press Enterprise Article: “Corona Friends to Climb Kilimanjaro” (Fundraiser for Soitsambu)
The Press Enterprise Article: “Two Corona Men Conquer Kilimanjaro” (Fundraiser for Soitsambu)
“Working to Improve Education in Africa: Innovators: Jane Moore,” Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Education Update
“Where Children Beg for Pencils and Education,“ The Quarterly Reader, Friends of the Corona Public Library Newsletter
Designated Charity for Lori Fox’s Second Grade Class, De Anza Elementary School, San Jacinto USD
Designated Charity for Corona Community A.M.E. Church
Designated Charity for Lantern Projects (www.lanternprojects.org)
Designated Charity for It’s a Grind, Bedford Canyon, Corona
Invited Speaker: Delta Kappa Gamma, Riverside Rotary, Soroptimist International, High Schools, P.E.O, Masonic Lodge, Zonta Club, African American Cultural Club (Four Seasons), Circle City Rotary, Riverside Kiwanis, Schools in Riverside and Corona and Moreno Valley, American Association of University Women, Libraries, etc.
University of California Life Society (OSHER) Lecturer
KCAA/KVCR Radio Invitational Speaker, “My Awesome Empire” Program
Author of three books: Love Is a Walker, Walks on Two Legs, and African Animals From A to Z: A Whimsical But True Coloring Book for All Ages
TESTIMONIALS
“We need to help here, of course, but we also need to be a blessing everywhere. This is our chance to put fingerprints on the world.”
“We students from our heart ... give our grateful thanks . . .for your donation in our school. We are so proud of you for giving us a marvelous girls’ dormitory with toilets and all facilities required.”
Students of Soitsambu Secondary School
“You put [much] effort to help [our] local community raise money to build classrooms so our children will stay comfortable instead of study[ing] under the tree or on the ground. Thank you. Please continue [to] be helper.”
Pencils and Dreams supporter since 2009
“Dreams realized, people mobilized and a multitude of children’s lives changed. I’m so proud and thankful to be part of this journey with Pencils and Dreams.”
Pencils and Dreams supporter since 2009
Pencils and Dreams supporter since 2009
“Your efforts have turned hopes into reality. I stand in awe of your determination and accomplishments.”
Pencils and Dreams supporter since 2009
“Dear Pencil Lady and Volcano Man Dale, thank you for helping the kids of Tanzania. We got another $23 from recycling our bottles and cans to help you build your schools in Africa.”
Second grade class, Pencils and Dreams supporters since 2014
New Pencils and Dreams supporter
Pastor, Corona Community AME Church, supporter since 2011
Maasai elder, village near Soitsambu Secondary, Orkuyene and Orkiu Primary Schools
"The Pencils and Dreams Community always comes together to serve the Tanzanian community, bound together by a commitment to provide and serve those who can benefit from our good fortune. Thank you for the privilege to be part of this work.”
“In 2012, I joined Dale in hiking to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for a Pencils and Dreams project. I asked my company employees and suppliers to pledge $1 per foot. I knew that 100% of the money raised would go to the designated project and it did.”
“You’re filling a real need and getting verified results. That’s important to me when I commit to donating money.”