About The Crayons Project

Giving the Rainbow

American preschoolers and elementary students learn to give to their global peers in a way that is meaningful to children. 

Used crayons are collected in classrooms around the U.S. for children in African preschools and early childhood schools in South Asia, where they have little or no crayons.  Parents and educators and others contribute crayons, chalk, pencils and erasers. Often, international relationships are formed.   

For children in the United States, the Project is a values lesson, and a meaningful way to relate to the world, which contains classrooms in different places.  Children in the U.S. get to share their used crayons; contribute to a communal effort; and help another child in a faraway classroom. Children learn to give to another child. It is difficult for our children to understand that others do not have. This is a truth we must all recognize, including our children who will become citizens of the world. 

Although the program is organized as a values experience for young children, we have found  youth and adults taking this opportunity of Giving the Rainbow. Other approaches to using the Project have included learning about Africa, developing a heritage project, organizing a fundraiser, promoting cultural exchange and introducing cross-cultural pen pals.  Information is available for elementary children on making coloring books for African and South Asian children.

AFRICA Seed, Inc.  2008-2009,  All rights reserved.