About US
Our global mission at Backpack International Inc (BPI) is to equip students in need for overall academic success. BPI has served students in seven countries (and counting) with backpacks filled with school supplies, hygiene products, books, shoes, clothing, toys, bicycles, and more. Backpack International was founded in 2016 by Oslyn Rodriguez, who is a certified English teacher and school administrator.
President and founder
MEET OSLYN
Backpack International was founded in 2016 when Oslyn Rodriguez visited her native country Guyana, South America after 14 years, to celebrate her grandfather's 85th birthday.
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Her family held an outdoor gathering and invited children from the local village to share in the festivities. About 50 children arrived. As everyone sang songs and enjoyed food and drinks, Oslyn began to look around the village. She didn't see a playground or park. There was no community center or library. Many children were barefooted, and it was not by choice. Others wore tattered clothing. Later that day, Oslyn jotted down a few ideas about what she could do help these children.
where it started
With three major rivers running through its landscape, Guyana is appropriately dubbed "land of many waters".
Despite this positive attribute, "water" has actually been one of the main factors in Guyana's economic woes. Constant flooding and torrential downpours have contributed to Guyana's status as the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
According to the Bureau of Statistics, 31% of Guyanese are living in poverty, of that number nearly half are children 16 years old and younger. Help Backpack International make a difference in a child's life in Guyana.
-Bureau of Statistics
BEYOND BACKPACKS
Backpack International started by giving backpacks to children in Guyana. We soon realized the need was just as great locally and in other countries such as Mexico and Belize. We shifted to serve our local area of Lee County in Alabama by partnering with others to provide backpacks and food to those in need. Each year our goal is to expand to more countries. If you would like to donate to help serve families in need click the button below!
MEET OUR BOARD
We are so grateful for those who serve alongside us and use their unique talents to help us make a difference.
oslyn rodriguez
executive director
ANgel Rodriguez
Chairman
ed wilson
vice chairman
Bea Cornelius
SECRETARY
Traci Benefield
TREASURER
Joseph Adams
Board member
AS FEATURED IN
Volunteers prepare backpacks for
mission trip to South America
Christmas in a Backpack drive
set for children in need
Backpack International serves
Alabama and beyond in 2020
Backpack International has new
Drive Thru & Delivery Meal Program