Back to School Backpacks – Carrying Dignity, Hope and More than School Supplies
The new school year at the British School of Bucharest (BSB) began with an act of community spirit. The Back to School Backpack Appeal, our first charity campaign of the year, brought together students, staff and families to support children from Casa Ioana, Fundația Inocenți – Romanian Children’s Relief and Asociația Hercules (BufKids). Each child received a fully equipped school bag, a simple gift that carried far more than supplies.
Direct Impact in the Community
The sense of community was strongest when the MAD (Make A Difference) student team travelled to BufKids in Buftea to deliver the bags in person and share lunch with the children. Guided by our Charity Coordinators, this visit turned the efforts of the whole BSB community into something tangible. The students’ determination and generosity showed how strongly they are driven to make a difference in the lives of others.
At BufKids, the effect was immediate. Petruța Stănescu, who coordinates the centre, shared:
‘By providing backpacks and school supplies, we eased the financial burden on families and created better learning conditions. One family with seven children was especially touched – the joy on the faces of the three siblings who attend our centre was immense.’
The children themselves echoed that joy:
- David, 9: ‘When I received my new backpack, I was very happy… Now I can’t wait to go to school every day!’
- Georgiana, 10: ‘It felt like Christmas when I got the backpack. Everything was new and beautiful. Thank you to those who thought of us!’
Each bag carried dignity and hope, reminding us that when a community acts together, even small gestures can have a lasting impact.
Together, We Make a Difference
Guided by our Charity Coordinators, a team of dedicated teaching staff, the MAD (Make A Difference) student team is a vital part of how BSB supports its partner charities. Meeting regularly to plan and run events, they work closely with the BSB Community to raise funds and collect goods that bring real change to those in need. Made up of students from Year 3 to Year 13, the team channels the energy and creativity of young people into a common purpose, while the Charity Coordinators ensure every campaign is shaped with thought and delivered with heart. From donation drives and non-uniform days to bake sales and creative stalls, each activity becomes a moment that unites the whole school and turns generosity into meaningful support.
A Tradition of Giving
The Backpack Appeal is part of a long-standing BSB tradition of giving back. Last year alone, our community raised over €12,000, organised 15 charity events and supported 9 organisations working with vulnerable groups. Among these, about 100 children received fully equipped school backpacks — a tradition proudly continued this year. By partnering with both local and international charities, BSB extends its impact beyond the school gates, connecting the community to wider networks of support and compassion. Each campaign reflects what defines our school: when we act together, generosity becomes impact and our values come to life.
