School readiness is a critical foundation for academic success, setting young students on a path toward achievement and future opportunities. Unfortunately, challenges like poverty and unemployment in reservation communities leave many Native American students ill-equipped at the start of the school year. The American Indian Education Fund® (AIEF), a program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA), aims to improve the outcomes of Native American students by distributing backpacks filled with school supplies to schools across Tribal Nations. 

Through AIEF’s School Supply service, Indian Oasis Primary School in Sells, Arizona, received new backpacks for its students. Students from pre-k through third grade lined up to get their brand-new backpacks filled with art supplies, paper, pencils, and more.  

Geraldine A., the parent liaison for Indian Oasis, celebrated her 10th anniversary working for the school as she handed out backpacks to the students. Geraldine explained that one of the school’s most significant challenges is a lack of parental involvement. To boost engagement, the school arranges frequent volunteer activities to bring the parents in and encourage them to become more involved with their community.  

One such volunteer, Jerilynn A., filled all the backpacks and joined Geraldine in distributing them to the students. Jerilynn is the guardian for her two nieces, one in first grade and another in third grade. Although the girls attend school in Sells, the family lives in Maish Vaya, a village in the neighboring Gu-Achi District at the center of the Tohono O’odham Nation.  

Jerilynn’s niece, Zendaejiah, was excited to receive her new backpack. Now in third grade, Zendaejiah is anxious to finish her last year of primary school. In the meantime, she looks forward to seeing her friends, reading, and drawing.  

With no local school in Maish Vaya, youth travel at least 15 miles to one of the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools in the neighboring villages or 24 miles to one of the tribal schools in Sells. This means Zendaejiah travels 48 miles roundtrip to attend class. Additionally, the lack of stores in the region means families typically travel off-reservation for school supplies.  

Thanks to AIEF and our partnership with Indian Oasis Principal Jennifer E., 328 students have the tools they need for a successful school year. Silvia, the school’s office manager, set up the distribution and told us, “I know it helps them because some of our kids don’t have backpacks when school starts. So, it’s a big help. It’s good that the kids get supplies they can keep at home. Thank you!”  

After completing the distribution, Geraldine shared, “It’s really thoughtful of PWNA. Some of our parents are not able to provide this for their kids. They have hardships with money and getting school supplies. Other than this, they would have to go and ask their district for grants.” 

Jerilynn would like to thank the donors who support AIEF, telling us, “It’s much appreciated. It makes it easier for the parents and the school so the kids have the supplies they need, and nobody has to pay for it out of their own pockets. We always appreciate it.” Donate to AIEF today.