When 10-year-old Khloe I. arrived at Crazy Horse School in Wanblee, South Dakota, for a school supplies distribution, she was all smiles. The fifth grader loves math, volleyball, and learning something new each day. “When I get into high school, I’ll know things,” she said. 

Khloe lives with her family of six on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Her mother, Tmoves C. of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, said it can be hard to afford what her children need for school. “It helps a lot because sometimes people have a hard time getting stuff like that,” she said. 

While Tmoves has a car, she said jobs are scarce nearby and her family’s budget is tight. “There are hardly any jobs close by,” she said, although she is actively searching. 

The backpacks provided through the School Supplies service of the American Indian Education Fund® (AIEF), a program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA), were filled with paper, pencils, folders, and other essentials. These items will support both Khloe’s schoolwork and her creativity. “She’s really artistic and likes making things,” Tmoves said. “She’ll definitely use everything in here.” 

At Crazy Horse School, 139 students received supplies this year. Terri, a third-grade teacher aide, sees the need for supplies every day. “A lot of them…it’s like they don’t have anything,” she said, regarding students having school supplies. “The importance of investing in Native education, the supplies that you’re sending…the children are very thankful for it as well as the parents.” 

Native students in South Dakota have the lowest on-time graduation rates. In a community where many families face economic challenges, these backpacks meant more than notebooks and pencils. They meant opportunity and a little peace of mind for families like Khloe’s. 

Your gift to AIEF helps provide Native students like Khloe with the tools they need for a successful school year. Please donate today to help more children start strong in the classroom. Donate today.