Our Story
In 2008, Mercell and Milan established Pencils for Peace with a profound mission: to provide essential support to school-aged children in Afghanistan amidst turbulent times. Afghanistan, often labeled the "worst place to be a child," witnesses daily struggles of extreme poverty and violence. Accessing basic necessities like school and hygiene supplies remains a daunting challenge. Motivated by their Afghan heritage, Mercell and Milan felt compelled to act. Through Pencils for Peace, they organize various advocacy initiatives, rallying support from their local community. ​
​
In tandem with our founding mission, Pencils for Peace has developed strategic programs designed to engage a global audience in our humanitarian efforts to support Afghan children. Our initiatives are designed to facilitate seamless participation, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to our cause. We aim to comprehensively address the urgent needs of Afghan communities through our girls flagship program, support for orphans, and consistent provision of essential resources such as school supplies, clothing, and food packages throughout the year. Through strategic collaboration and collective action, we envision a future where every Afghan child is empowered to thrive and realize their full potential. Join us as we work towards peace and prosperity together.
Our Team
Mercell Enayat
Founder
Mercell Enayat is an Afghan-American activist who graduated from the University of Colorado in 2019 with a degree in Biology and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 2025. She is now working as a dentist, providing care to marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities. With a commitment to minimizing health disparities, she delivers compassionate dental services to those most in need. Known for her critical thinking and continuous pursuit of knowledge, Mercell serves as an ambassador for a crucial mission, advocating for peace and equitable access to resources. Her dedication to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities transcends boundaries of politics, religion, and race, marking a steadfast commitment to social justice.
Milan Enayat
Founder
​Milan Enayat is an Afghan-American activist with years of experience working closely with Afghan children. Inspired by a transformative visit to Afghanistan, she built meaningful connections with orphanages and schools in Kabul, establishing partnerships to ensure Afghan orphans receive essential support. While she earned her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, Milan is currently completing her master’s in Real Estate Development at New York University. She remains deeply committed to her mission of empowering Afghan children through education, striving to create sustainable change and lasting impact in their lives.