Backpacks with A Future (RTBU)

The initiative focuses particularly on children entering Grade 1, for whom confidence, belonging, and readiness for school play a critical role in long-term educational development.

Background

The project was created to address educational inequality that can arise before the first day of school. For many families experiencing financial hardship, the cost of school supplies represents a significant burden. Children who begin school without the necessary materials may experience embarrassment, reduced confidence, and difficulties integrating with classmates.

Backpacks with a Future seeks to remove these barriers by ensuring that children receive the essential items required for their first school year before classes begin.

Objectives

The project aims to:

• Ensure children have the necessary materials for school from the first day.
• Reduce visible differences between classmates caused by economic hardship.
• Increase children’s confidence, motivation, and sense of belonging.
• Provide practical support and financial relief to families.
• Promote equal access to education for vulnerable children.

Beneficiaries

The initiative primarily supports:

• Children from low-income families.
• Children raised by single parents.
• Children without parental care.
• Children with special educational needs.
• First-grade pupils aged approximately six to seven years old.

Priority is given to children who would otherwise face difficulties obtaining the equipment required for school attendance.

Selection Process

Beneficiaries are identified through cooperation with trusted local partners and institutions, including:

• Social Assistance Directorate – Varna.
• School principals and teachers.
• Local community organizations.
• Members and partners of Round Table Bulgaria.

The selection process emphasizes discretion, fairness and respect for the dignity of children and their families.

Contents of the School Package

Each beneficiary receives a complete school kit designed to meet practical classroom needs. Typical contents include:

• Ergonomic school backpack.
• Pencil case.
• Notebooks and folders.
• Labels and book covers.
• Pens, pencils, rulers, erasers and sharpeners.
• Art supplies including paints, paper, glue, scissors and modelling materials.
• Lunch box and water bottle.
• Vouchers for additional educational materials or school uniforms.

The project aims to provide a complete solution rather than a symbolic donation.

Implementation

The project follows a structured seven-step process:

1. Planning and project preparation.
2. Fundraising and sponsorship acquisition.
3. Identification of children in need.
4. Procurement of supplies.
5. Packing and preparation of backpacks.
6. Distribution before the start of the school year.
7. Reporting and accountability.

The initiative relies heavily on volunteer participation and community involvement throughout all stages.

Impact

The initiative measures its success through several indicators:

• Number of children supported.
• Number of schools and communities reached.
• Completeness of each distributed school package.
• Cost efficiency and procurement transparency.
• Reporting and feedback from beneficiaries and partners.

In 2026, the project aimed to support approximately 100–110 children in the Varna region.

Legacy

Backpacks with a Future is designed as a repeatable and scalable model that can be expanded to additional schools and communities. By addressing educational needs at the beginning of the school year, the project seeks to provide children not only with school supplies but also with confidence, dignity and a stronger start to their educational journey.

Recognition

The project was awarded the SEM Service Project of the Year 2025–2026, which was announced during the SEM TM in Larnaca, Cyprus

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Added

23 Jun 2026, 18:03

Last Edit

31 Jul 2026, 12:34