On Wednesday, April 2nd, Morogoro International School (MIS) students left their usual backpacks at home and embraced creativity for Anything But a Backpack Day—a lively and imaginative event that had the entire campus buzzing with excitement.
While the trend first gained popularity in the U.S. through TikTok back in 2021, MIS gave it a unique twist by tying it to the older European tradition of April Fool’s Day, traditionally celebrated on April 1st. Our version blended playful humor with a chance for students to express themselves in fun and unexpected ways.

The idea is simple but brilliant: bring your school supplies in anything except a backpack. From laundry baskets to shopping carts, pillowcases to picnic hampers, students showed up with the most inventive alternatives imaginable. The result? A hallway parade of hilarious, quirky, and downright clever carrying contraptions that sparked laughter and conversation all day long.
But beyond the fun, Anything But a Backpack Day had a deeper purpose. It encouraged students to think creatively, adapt to new challenges, and express their personalities through a simple but effective prompt. The event highlighted cross-curricular skills like problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability—all essential traits for 21st-century learners.
It was a day to remember at MIS, filled with joy, ingenuity, and a whole lot of school spirit. We’re already looking forward to next year’s creative surprises!
