Writing, despite evolving over moment, has proven to be an indispensable skill; one that positively impacts cognitive development, memory retention, and boosts creativity. According to a joint study done by researchers at UCLA, Princeton, and the Washing University of St Louis, handwriting activates the Reticular Activating System, a part of the brain that automatically emphasizes and reiterates the object of focus at different moments.

The University of Wisconsin has also revealed research stating that the sequential finger movements that occur when writing by hand activates multiple regions of the brain associated with processing and remembering information.

Putting pen to paper is therefore crucial to humans’ cognitive development and maintenance. Renowned authors and writers today including Sam Anderson, staff writer for The New York Times, and A.O Scott, Co-Chief Film Critics, write their first drafts by hand before digitizing any of their work. Both notice the enhanced clarity and quality of thinking when putting pen to paper.

Despite the generational differences, ranging from Gen Z all the way to Baby Boomers, people associate writing or drawing by hand with increased creativity. In fact, 55% of Gen Z; 43% of millennials; 46% of Gen X; and 38% of Baby Boomers feel the same way, according to a study conducted by BIC Group. Similarly, the same study reports that over 32% of Gen Z; 37% of millennials; 32% of Gen X; and 29% of Baby Boomers revert to putting pen to paper to disconnect and unplug from the fast-paced world they live in.

The role of manufacturers amidst a fast-moving and changing landscape, dominated by digitization, is to incorporate writing tools in today’s hybrid world. This helps ensure that people continue to reap the benefits of expressing themselves by putting pen to paper – through writing, journaling, doodling, or drawing – whilst keeping abreast of digital advancements.

It’s imperative not to limit the use of writing tools to handwriting only. Writing tools, also referred to as tools of self-expression, are used for calligraphy, doodling, drawing, illustrating and much more. It’s important to lead a comprehensive development process, founded on the basis of self-expression, in its totality.

Using BIC as an example, we leverage our Human Expression portfolio to support students and youth throughout their learning journey. This stems from our commitment to improve learning conditions for 250 million students by the year 2025.

We start by working with students and teachers in the classrooms, providing them with the necessary writing tools to run their curricula. That is complemented by creating inspiring learning environments at school facilities through refurbishment, to foster a creative learning environment. Moving outside of the classroom, we provide platforms for youth to express themselves through creativity (e.g., Art Master Africa – a competition that encourages youth to express themselves through creating art using the ballpoint pen). Finally to close the loop, we work with young graduates to help them bring their ideas to life through supporting their SME projects, mentoring, and internships.

Our whole program is underpinned by education. Our approach is dependent on leveraging self-expression tools for growth, and supports youth development through its different stages and via various forms.

It’s critical to provide youth with the right tools and opportunities, educate them on the ideal learning methodologies, and foster environments that allow them to develop, grow, and become productive citizens to create a better future. Simply by leveraging self-expression tools, you can change the future of an individual, and potentially, the history of a community.

By Adeyemi Ojo, Business Development Lead, BIC Nigeria