The power of showing up: how community builds confidence in kids

“Community is about doing something together, that makes belonging matter.” –Brian Solis.

That’s the kind of community we’re building at Back2School Project. It’s not always the biggest gesture that changes a child’s life, sometimes it’s simply about showing up. Our vision is to see each backpack we pack as more than a backpack–but as a message of dignity and belonging. As a message that we are showing up, so they can show up. That message starts with you.

To a child, confidence looks like showing up to school prepared and ready to learn. It is taking pride in their belongings and in their friendships. Unfortunately, hardship doesn’t pause when the school year starts, it knows no bounds. This year has already proven this as we face an economic crisis and many young learners are also faced with the pressures of family or situational strain. It is at this point of the year, with rising costs and colder weather, that many kids head into school feeling “less than.” That is if they even turn up at all. It is our goal to change that.

In 2024, one of our partnering schools shared with us that they were seeing higher attendance rates from students because the students had the resources in hand to be ready for their first days. “They (B2SP supported students) have all been at school consistently–this was not the case for around 40% of them last year.” – Local School Leadership

When we support our tamariki together, as a community, we send the message: You are seen. You matter. It is through our collective efforts that we can make real change. YOU have shown up for Back2School Project and for the children we support through donations, volunteering, sharing our mission, and even through community events like our ‘Pins4Pens’ Bowling Night Fundraiser. YOU are an active champion of change. By showing up, we have the opportunity to introduce the students to what a real, thriving community feels like; what it feels like to belong.

“I think that the best way to make an impact is often just starting small, starting where you are; helping your neighbour, helping your neighbourhood, and helping your community.” – Long-time B2SP Volunteer

Here’s how you can show up today:

• Register for our Bowling Fundraiser on 19 July

• Donate – every dollar helps us say, “You belong here.”

• Share our mission – follow, repost, invite a friend.

Showing up for our tamariki teaches them that they matter not just on the first day of school, but every day after that.