In the Riviera Maya, a pencil can be the difference between dropping out and moving forward.
Imagine wanting to learn—but not having a backpack.
Dreaming of school—but walking there barefoot.
For thousands of students in vulnerable communities across Playa del Carmen, this is what “back to school” really looks like. The start of the school year brings hope—or hardship. And too often, families simply can’t afford the basics.
When education isn’t accessible from day one, students fall behind before they even begin.
The Hidden Cost of “Free” Education
Public school may be free in name—but not in practice. Families are expected to cover:
- Notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers
- Backpacks, uniforms, and shoes
- Classroom fees and transportation
For many working families, these costs are out of reach.
The result? Children drop out—not because they lack ability, but because they lack supplies.
Education Is the Most Powerful Tool for Change
At KKIS (Keeping Kids in School), we believe every child deserves the chance to succeed—starting from the first day of school.
According to UNESCO, each additional year of schooling increases a child’s future income by up to 10%. But this change can only happen if students have what they need to stay in school—from pencils to backpacks to dignity.
How KKIS Helps: Supplies That Spark Success
Every year, KKIS delivers thousands of fully equipped backpacks to students across the Riviera Maya. These kits include the essential tools needed to thrive in class—and in life.
- One backpack = one year of learning
- $25 = complete tools for education for one student
- 25,000+ backpacks delivered since KKIS began
But we don’t just hand out supplies. We deliver hope, confidence, and a reason to keep going.
What Your Support Really Means
When you give to KKIS’s School Supply Program, you’re not just funding school supplies—you’re transforming lives.
You’re helping to:
- Prevent school dropouts before they start
- Boost confidence and dignity in students
- Ease the financial burden on families
- Build stronger, more educated communities
- Provide learning opportunities not all students have
A simple backpack becomes a powerful symbol of possibility.
The Ripple Effect of a Simple Gift
Equipped students stay engaged. They perform better. They dream bigger. Their success doesn’t stop at the classroom door—it touches siblings, parents, and entire neighborhoods.
It’s not charity—it’s capacity-building.
This is how lasting change takes root.
Ways You Can Help Today
Whether you’re an individual donor, a business leader, or a concerned community member—your support creates real, measurable impact.
Donate: $25 USD gives a child everything they need to start school
Sponsor a Classroom: Fund 20+ students and see the impact multiply
Start a Supply Drive: Rally your network, church, or company
Share the Story: Awareness creates action—spread the word!
Supporting back-to-school access also aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education for All.
Join the Movement: Build-a-Bag Volunteer Events – August 2025
Every year, the KKIS Back-to-School Program comes to life thanks to our incredible community of volunteers. This August, you can be part of it.
Start the Change Today
The back-to-school season should be a celebration—not a crisis. A fresh beginning, not a barrier.
You can be the reason a child walks into school with pride instead of fear.
Join us at KKIS. Help us transform a pencil, a backpack, a smile—into a future filled with opportunity.
DONATE A BACKPACK JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER LIST