Education has the power to transform lives. Yet, millions of children around the world are still missing out on the opportunities it brings—opportunities to dream, to learn and to shape their own futures. At Pencils of Promise, we believe that every child deserves access to quality education, no matter where they are born.

Ken Fedor, a 2025 Berlin Marathon runner, knows this personally. Growing up, Ken pursued learning wherever he could, taking free online courses in programming, statistics and other subjects simply for the joy of it. He became the first in his family to graduate from college, setting a precedent for what was possible with dedication, curiosity and opportunity.

Ken’s passion for education was also deeply influenced by his father, a teacher who dedicated his career to working with children facing extraordinary challenges. Ken watched firsthand how his father’s classroom became a place of hope—a safe space where students could escape difficulties at home, build confidence and imagine futures they never thought possible. Many of those students returned years later to thank him for the difference he made in their lives, a testament to the lasting power of education.

Inspired by these experiences, Ken chose to run for PoP. “Providing access to education is the best way to create upward mobility in historically underserved communities,” he says. “It opens doors to opportunities that were never accessible before and allows children to imagine and pursue futures they might never have dreamed of.”

Through his marathon and fundraising efforts, Ken is helping children worldwide access learning, hope, and the chance to shape their own destinies. His story reminds us that education isn’t just about lessons in a classroom—it’s about empowerment, opportunity and creating a foundation for lifelong growth.

Donors like Ken turn passion into action, showing that change is possible when individuals step forward to support education. At Pencils of Promise, we’re committed to building schools, training teachers and providing resources that ensure every child can learn, thrive and dream bigger. Every donation, every step and every story contributes to a world where education is not a privilege but a right.