The gift of a backpack: Education made exciting

The first day of school is a big occasion. Kids look forward to learning, making friends, and dreaming big. But what about children living in poverty? The first day of school can feel scary, embarrassing, and unfamiliar. So how can education be exciting?

Imagining a different life

7-year-old David lives with his family at the edge of a village in northern Moldova. His father works for low wages as a shepherd, and his mother can usually only give her children bread for breakfast.

Their house is falling apart and difficult to live in. David’s bed is in the kitchen, and the room is small and mostly empty. Cups and plates are piled high in the corner, paint peels off the wall, and the floor is cold.

“The roof is leaking and the walls have gaps in them, too,” says David’s mother, Lilia. “I don’t even want to think about the coming late autumn when we have lots of rain, and after that, the snow in winter.”

David is about to start school for the very first time. Today, he was waiting for Alexandru, who works for Mission Without Borders, to pay them a visit. Both David and his sister, Denisa, are a part of MWB’s child sponsorship program and have been receiving regular support and visits as a result. Denise had told David stories about school – the playground, the games, the friends – but how could David truly imagine all of that fun, knowing the reality he was living in?

The gift of excitement and education

Then Alexandru arrived.

“Hello, little friend! Today is a special day, because I heard that you’re at last starting school and I’ve come to give you a backpack filled with school supplies!” he said. “David! Come, this is for you! And it has everything you need for your school journey.”

“All these school supplies are for me?” David whispered, barely able to believe it. He opened the bag, eyes widening with excitement. He saw pencils, notebooks, crayons, and even a small storybook. More than that, he saw promises of new adventures.

“Yes!” Alexandru replied. “And look at the colour – blue, your favourite! I’ve known Denisa since you were three. She always talked about you and how much you wanted to go to school. Now you finally can!”

A smile stretched across David’s face as he said, “I’ll learn! I’ll learn letters! And numbers!”

When the day finally arrived for David to start his first day of school, he was eager and excited to go, knowing he had everything he needed – and his sister by his side.

Something as simple as a backpack filled with school supplies can change the way they access and experience education forever.
For $50 you can fill a child's education journey with the excitement and encouragement it needs, just like David.