A donation of over 12,000 books was donated to benefit a new library in the remote village of Annai in Guyana, thanks to students and staff of the Creek Middle School of South Colonie Central School District in NY, that on June 22, presented the volumes to be shipped to the South American country.
Founder of Backpack International Inc. (BPI), Oslyn Rodriguez, who facilitated the gift giving, told Caribbean Life, via a release that during the event, the non-profit — founded in 2016 when she visited her native country Guyana, after 14 years, to celebrate her grandfather’s 85th birthday — presented the school with an Outstanding Philanthropy award for their exceptional service.
Additionally, she said, 7th grade English teacher Melissa Moskov was awarded with the Global Impact Award for her global impact to the lives of children.
The organization’s Global mission, to equip students in need for overall academic success, and has served schools in several countries with backpacks filled with school supplies, hygiene products, books, shoes, clothing, toys, bicycles, hosted the charitable event that was attended by Dr. Anael Alston, New York State Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Access, Equity, and Community Engagement Services as well as South Colonie School Superintendent, Dr. David Perry.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude. This new library will impact generations to come,” expressed BPI’s Executive Director, Rodriguez.
“For BPI, this monumental event positions them into phase two of the library project: getting the books to Guyana. Over the next few months, the charity aims to collect $20,000 to cover shipping costs,” said Rodriguez, whose family held an outdoor gathering and invited children from the local village to share in the festivities. This simple gesture became a vision, and later an initiative that has helped thousands of children across the globe.
“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, said Rodriguez, a certified English teacher and school administrator.
To donate, visit www.backpackinternational.org.
