Changing the world, one backpack at a time!
ABOUT
Our vision is a world where every child can go to school equipped with the necessary resources they need to learn and succeed. We strive to extend the reach of our initiative so that no child has to endure the hardship of carrying school supplies without a backpack.
Our Vision
Driven by a deep sense of justice and empathy, Mongai initiated the No Backpack Day project at only 8 years old while she was a student at Blythe Elementary School in Charlotte, North Carolina. The project's simple yet powerful premise was to have students experience a day without backpacks, carrying books and supplies in their hands to mirror the challenges faced by their counterparts in less privileged regions. This initiative quickly captured the hearts and minds of her school community, expanding to involve over 40 schools and making a profound impact by distributing more than 100,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to children across multiple countries including Angola, Cameroon, Liberia, and beyond.
Mongai's leadership and passion for advocacy have not gone unnoticed. She has shared stages with influential figures such as Dr. Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, the former President of Mauritius and Leymah Gbowee, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her work has also led to meetings with dignitaries such as the former Prime Minister of Cameroon, His Excellency Mr. Yang Philemon, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware and invitations from First Ladies of various African nations to discuss educational initiatives.
In recognition of her efforts, Mongai has been honored with numerous awards and accolades. She was invited to the US Senate by Senator Chris Coons, received recognition from the Mecklenburg County Board of Education, and was featured in prominent publications for her contributions to global community leadership. Mongai's ability to inspire and mobilize people from all walks of life towards a common goal of educational equity highlights her remarkable capacity as a young leader.
As Mongai continues her education in college, she remains deeply engaged in her advocacy work, constantly seeking new avenues to support and expand No Backpack Day. Her vision extends beyond immediate relief to fostering a sustainable change in the approach to global education challenges, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to the resources necessary for a successful educational journey.
Core Values
Mongai Fankam is an award-winning Cameroonian American college student, activist, and entrepreneur whose early exposure to the disparities in educational resources globally has shaped her into a formidable advocate for children’s education. Her activism journey began at a remarkably young age, accompanying her mother on mission trips to Cameroon, where she witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by children in rural areas, particularly their lack of basic educational supplies.
Meet
Mongai Mankam
EMPATHY
We believe in the power of putting ourselves in others' shoes to better understand and support their needs.
RESILIANCE
We champion the spirit of resilience, empowering children to overcome barriers and thrive despite the challenges they face.
COMMUNITY
We are committed to building and nurturing strong communities that can drive change together.
Our
History
No Backpack Day was founded on February 12, 2012, born from a simple yet profound idea by a young 8 year-old student, Mongai Fankam. Disturbed by the challenges faced by children in rural Cameroon who had to carry their school supplies without backpacks, Mongai inspired her school in Charlotte, NorthCarolina,
to experience a day without backpacks. This initiative quickly turned into a global movement, growing to involve over 40 schools and helping distribute over 100,000 backpacks to children across continents from Angola to Zimbabwe, including local efforts in North Carolina.
Since its inception, No Backpack Day has garnered the support of tens of thousands, with numerous schools worldwide participating annually. The initiative has not only provided over 100,000 backpacks but has also significantly raised awareness and empathy among students globally about the challenges faced by their peers in less fortunate parts of the world.