Teacher Shares Photos Of A Backpack A Father Made For His Son Because He Wanted To Save Money (Updated)
Getting an education is one of the most important milestones of a child’s life which has a crucial role in determining a child’s future. However, according to the United Nations, almost 60 million primary school-aged children aren’t in school. One of the most common reasons is poverty. There are many children throughout the world, who, instead of going to school, have to work to support their families, collect water or look after their siblings.
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Recently a teacher from Cambodia shared photos of a backpack a father made for his son
Even the basic things most of us take for granted, such as school supplies, can prevent a child from getting an education if they can’t afford to buy them.
To help kids get a better future, parents do their best in supporting their children’s pursuit of education. Recently, one exemplary parent became viral for his efforts.
When five-year-old NY Keng from Cambodia started going to a new school, his teacher Sophous Suon couldn’t help but notice his original backpack.
She told Bored Panda that a simple school bag cost 30000 riels ($7) in her area and there are parents who are struggling to afford them. However, NY Keng’s father who works as a farmer, decided to save money on a school bag and resorted to a much more creative option.
Using the last bits of raffia string, he weaved a beautiful blue backpack. Once Suon posted the photos of the schoolbag, it quickly went viral. People were impressed by the father’s dedication and creativity. “People said that it’s heartwarming, touching, cool and creative father, love this bag,” said the teacher.
Kind-hearted people even took it as an opportunity to offer help to the family. “Few foreigners asked for contact to send him the bags and my school leader already send his contact for them,” said Suon.
Here’s how people reacted
Update: this post previously incorrectly stated that the father couldn’t afford the bag.
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This is an excellent reminder that when you donate to a proper charity in third world countries, the things that are bought are also appreciated. I hope people continue supporting efforts to help others who have less than us.
Such a cute kid! And a very dedicated father. I hope the attention will do them some financial good. That little boy is probably not an only child.
Its kinda funny to me how so called third world countries put so much more value into their childrens education than we do. our kids dont give a s*** about getting a good education because many have never really struggled to escape poverty, while in poor and developing countries parents are willing to physically get sick to ensure their kids get an education
in general I've noticed through my life that people who have to work hard for what they have appreciate it more than people who are given everything easily. In general, there are always people who don't fall into this.
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Soon you'll see this in high-end fashion stores selling for $500 or alibaba
I really like that bag. It's cool. It's unique. It's environmentally friendly (up-cycled). I am in awe. I hope this family makes loads of money from this dad's wonderful and helpful idea.
As a high school teacher, I have many students whose families struggle with finances. This young kidlet has learned a brilliant lesson from the best teacher ever, his loving parent.
I know this is WAY off topic, but I can't be the only one recognizing his Spurs (Tottenham Hotspur) shorts right?
Those Spurs shorts were probably donated to a goodwill or charity shop in the UK and have been shipped halfway around the world to Cambodia. Good, innit. Better than landfill. Always donate, people.
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My Dad is an upholsterer, and he used to make school bags and back packs, for me and my brothers when we were in elemnetary school. God bless him, he's the greatest Dad in the world!!!
These are REAL problems that millions of people face everyday. Not like the ones you create videos for (e.g. "I'm too tall with curly pink hair and my dad doesn't like me" )
This might be a bit different, but still true. One of my best friends, her husband spent some time in prison. (They tend to get creative there as well.) Well her husband, using the plastic wraps from top ramen noodles, created a purse for her. A little bigger then say a clutch type purse. I was amazed! It was super sturdy, thick and looked like something you would buy at a store! Somehow the wrappers mended together created a color pattern to the purse, I would not have known it was top ramen noodle wrappers, if she hadn't pointed it out to me! I wish I had a picture but it was the coolest thing. What time, imagination, and the need to remain active can come up with is awesome.
This is an awesome idea for everybody because it cuts down on landfill waste and it looks super cool as well.
Can we just send all the "used" backpacks from kids in the US who get a new one each year??
I salute the father's determination and creativity. The bag is a wonderful creation, a labor of love by a father to his son despite all odds.
What love and great commitment his dad has, that he not feel different or less than the other kids! And he was so creative making this amazing book bag. A lot lighter than others I bet. I think it’s so much better than getting a stor bought one! Kudos, dad!
Or as it's more commonly said: "Necessity is the Mother of Invention."
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This is amazing! What can we all do to continue getting some resources to this area
Yes, you can see the heartwarming part of the story and concentrate on that. But this story also illustrates structural problems: "Even the basic things most of us take for granted, such as school supplies, can prevent a child from getting an education if they can’t afford to buy them." "She told Bored Panda that a simple school bag cost 30000 riels ($7) in her area and there are parents who are struggling to afford them." This father apparently would have been able to afford the schoolbag. What what if he hadn't? Could he have gone to school anyway? From the article it is not clear if the answer is yes in this case. But that the answer is no in other cases. There's a lot of bad things about living in luxury and living in a - as it is called in my native language - "Throwaway Society" where you (often have to) buy cheap stuff you have to replace after a couple of years instead of stuff that lasts for decades. But the other extreme is also a problem, just a different and worse one.
The dad is a hero for sure, I do hope his future improves greatly, then his family won't struggle so much, it's these posts that have many of us thinking about third world countries that need help,as they are worse off than we understand !!!
Can we appreciate the fact that there's a certain president of a certain country whose only take away from this would be to state the country is a sh**hole
FFS, of course someone had to bring Trump into this. You take a heartwarming story and someone make it all about you by inserting your pet hatred into it. Way to go *palmface*
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Genius! This man is teaching his son to reuse, think bigger than labels, be proud of what creativity and hard work can do. It’s function seems correct and it is beutiful. Wish I had parents to teach me REAL life lessons. Our kids are the future and they need to repair this earth not keep consuming
Thinking of all the schoolbags and handbags I've ever had. If I had just TWO handbags to use for the rest of my lifetime.. That would be special, also it's so inspiring the father weaves! Meanwhile I can't even tie a shoelace *exaggerating but you get what i mean* :D I'm so happy for this cute little boy, hope he learns weaving skill from his awesome father as well, in future <3
No one noticed he wasn't wearing shoes? How dirty the classroom is? This whole story is sad. I see things like this and it humbles me. USA is far from perfect, but we are a lot better off than many. I hope this young boy's dad makes a business out of making this bags. They're very unique
I think its a cultural thing. When I went to Cambodia we visited some locals at their home and no one wore shoes inside.
Load More Replies...
What everyone is missing is how beautifully the bag was made. Such even weaving and what an innovative clasp! It's so well made. It's probably better than one he would buy. I don't pity this child and nobody should. His father saved money and gave his son a nice bag. We're so consumer driven only store bought is good. This isn't so true. Look at how nice that bag is. We have to stop treating kids from other countries without all the c**p we have like charity cases. It's kind of rude.
This is a great reminder on to DO NOT care what people think of you and YOU do what is right and do not give a sh-- on what people think if you do what you think is right.
Soon you'll see this on high-end fashion stores selling for $500
I would love to buy a bag like that! Pretty, sturdy, made with loving care. Lucky son.
I would happily buy one of these at western prices - can we make it so?
This is an excellent reminder that when you donate to a proper charity in third world countries, the things that are bought are also appreciated. I hope people continue supporting efforts to help others who have less than us.
Such a cute kid! And a very dedicated father. I hope the attention will do them some financial good. That little boy is probably not an only child.
Its kinda funny to me how so called third world countries put so much more value into their childrens education than we do. our kids dont give a s*** about getting a good education because many have never really struggled to escape poverty, while in poor and developing countries parents are willing to physically get sick to ensure their kids get an education
in general I've noticed through my life that people who have to work hard for what they have appreciate it more than people who are given everything easily. In general, there are always people who don't fall into this.
Load More Replies... Soon you'll see this in high-end fashion stores selling for $500 or alibaba
I really like that bag. It's cool. It's unique. It's environmentally friendly (up-cycled). I am in awe. I hope this family makes loads of money from this dad's wonderful and helpful idea.
As a high school teacher, I have many students whose families struggle with finances. This young kidlet has learned a brilliant lesson from the best teacher ever, his loving parent.
I know this is WAY off topic, but I can't be the only one recognizing his Spurs (Tottenham Hotspur) shorts right?
Those Spurs shorts were probably donated to a goodwill or charity shop in the UK and have been shipped halfway around the world to Cambodia. Good, innit. Better than landfill. Always donate, people.
Load More Replies... My Dad is an upholsterer, and he used to make school bags and back packs, for me and my brothers when we were in elemnetary school. God bless him, he's the greatest Dad in the world!!!
These are REAL problems that millions of people face everyday. Not like the ones you create videos for (e.g. "I'm too tall with curly pink hair and my dad doesn't like me" )
This might be a bit different, but still true. One of my best friends, her husband spent some time in prison. (They tend to get creative there as well.) Well her husband, using the plastic wraps from top ramen noodles, created a purse for her. A little bigger then say a clutch type purse. I was amazed! It was super sturdy, thick and looked like something you would buy at a store! Somehow the wrappers mended together created a color pattern to the purse, I would not have known it was top ramen noodle wrappers, if she hadn't pointed it out to me! I wish I had a picture but it was the coolest thing. What time, imagination, and the need to remain active can come up with is awesome.
This is an awesome idea for everybody because it cuts down on landfill waste and it looks super cool as well.
Can we just send all the "used" backpacks from kids in the US who get a new one each year??
I salute the father's determination and creativity. The bag is a wonderful creation, a labor of love by a father to his son despite all odds.
What love and great commitment his dad has, that he not feel different or less than the other kids! And he was so creative making this amazing book bag. A lot lighter than others I bet. I think it’s so much better than getting a stor bought one! Kudos, dad!
Or as it's more commonly said: "Necessity is the Mother of Invention."
Load More Replies... This is amazing! What can we all do to continue getting some resources to this area
Yes, you can see the heartwarming part of the story and concentrate on that. But this story also illustrates structural problems: "Even the basic things most of us take for granted, such as school supplies, can prevent a child from getting an education if they can’t afford to buy them." "She told Bored Panda that a simple school bag cost 30000 riels ($7) in her area and there are parents who are struggling to afford them." This father apparently would have been able to afford the schoolbag. What what if he hadn't? Could he have gone to school anyway? From the article it is not clear if the answer is yes in this case. But that the answer is no in other cases. There's a lot of bad things about living in luxury and living in a - as it is called in my native language - "Throwaway Society" where you (often have to) buy cheap stuff you have to replace after a couple of years instead of stuff that lasts for decades. But the other extreme is also a problem, just a different and worse one.
The dad is a hero for sure, I do hope his future improves greatly, then his family won't struggle so much, it's these posts that have many of us thinking about third world countries that need help,as they are worse off than we understand !!!
Can we appreciate the fact that there's a certain president of a certain country whose only take away from this would be to state the country is a sh**hole
FFS, of course someone had to bring Trump into this. You take a heartwarming story and someone make it all about you by inserting your pet hatred into it. Way to go *palmface*
Load More Replies... Genius! This man is teaching his son to reuse, think bigger than labels, be proud of what creativity and hard work can do. It’s function seems correct and it is beutiful. Wish I had parents to teach me REAL life lessons. Our kids are the future and they need to repair this earth not keep consuming
Thinking of all the schoolbags and handbags I've ever had. If I had just TWO handbags to use for the rest of my lifetime.. That would be special, also it's so inspiring the father weaves! Meanwhile I can't even tie a shoelace *exaggerating but you get what i mean* :D I'm so happy for this cute little boy, hope he learns weaving skill from his awesome father as well, in future <3
No one noticed he wasn't wearing shoes? How dirty the classroom is? This whole story is sad. I see things like this and it humbles me. USA is far from perfect, but we are a lot better off than many. I hope this young boy's dad makes a business out of making this bags. They're very unique
I think its a cultural thing. When I went to Cambodia we visited some locals at their home and no one wore shoes inside.
Load More Replies... What everyone is missing is how beautifully the bag was made. Such even weaving and what an innovative clasp! It's so well made. It's probably better than one he would buy. I don't pity this child and nobody should. His father saved money and gave his son a nice bag. We're so consumer driven only store bought is good. This isn't so true. Look at how nice that bag is. We have to stop treating kids from other countries without all the c**p we have like charity cases. It's kind of rude.
This is a great reminder on to DO NOT care what people think of you and YOU do what is right and do not give a sh-- on what people think if you do what you think is right.
Soon you'll see this on high-end fashion stores selling for $500
I would love to buy a bag like that! Pretty, sturdy, made with loving care. Lucky son.
I would happily buy one of these at western prices - can we make it so?
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