Making a Difference: Zero Dollar Strategy Back to School Backpack Project

For years, Rico and Danielle, the founders of Zero Dollar Strategy, dreamed of giving back to Suriname, but logistical challenges kept them from realizing this vision. That all changed in June 2024, during Rico’s birthday celebration and networking event, where they made crucial connections with local partners. This milestone marked the beginning of their mission to support the community they hold dear.

Inspired by the success of their trip, Rico and Danielle launched the Backpack School Project upon returning to Florida. By September, they had personally funded and shipped 72 backpacks filled with school supplies to Suriname. Their team on the ground in Suriname successfully distributed the backpacks to children in need just ahead of the new school year, which began on October 1, 2024. The donations were divided between the Sipaliwini District, where a portion went to children in remote communities, and Paramaribo, benefiting children from underprivileged single-parent households, aged 5 to 17.

But their vision doesn’t end there. The Backpack School Project is set to become an annual tradition, with Zero Dollar Strategy committed to expanding the initiative each year. Plans are already underway for 2025, with a goal to make an even greater impact. The project reflects their dedication to investing in Suriname’s youth and building a brighter future for the country.