Can a backpack on your shoulder and a vision in your heart be enough to change the world? Vangelis Simakis, co-founder of Backpack Brothers, talks about how volunteering isn’t just about giving—it's about connecting with others. Through simple acts of kindness, their group helps communities grow stronger and shows how small things can lead to big change. Ηe discovers how passion, purpose, and a backpack can transform lives and reshape our world. Vangelis Simakis was born in Heraklion, Crete, and studied Economics at the University of Rethymno. He also holds a Master’s degree in Education, with a focus on Critical Pedagogy and Teacher Education from the same institution.Over the past four years, he and his brother Sarantis Simakis co-founded the Backpack Brothers, an initiative dedicated to improving living conditions in countries across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx