Digital Skills for Disadvantaged Children in China

After another strong year in 2025, during which we further expanded our impact in China, we are proud to share some of our achievements from 2026 so far.

From January to May 2026, our digital literacy program reached 665 disadvantaged students in Shanghai and, through online programming, across more than a dozen provinces and municipalities, including Jiangsu, Henan, Sichuan, Gansu, Guangdong, Yunnan, Fujian, Tianjin, Anhui, Beijing, Hubei, and Hunan. During this period, we recruited and trained more than 75 volunteers, who collectively delivered over 400 online and offline lessons.

Over recent years, we have continued to strengthen and expand an innovative curriculum designed to equip students with essential 21st-century skills. Our courses now include STEM education, coding through platforms such as Scratch, ScratchJr, and Code.org, text-based programming including C++ and Java, robotics with LEGO Spike, 3D printing, internet safety, online research, and artificial intelligence.

In 2026, we also introduced new AI learning modules for our online programs, tailored for both younger learners and more advanced students. Through interactive and age-appropriate activities, students explore how AI is used in everyday life, learn how machines recognize images and data, understand the risks of AI-generated misinformation such as fake photos and voices, and develop essential online safety awareness.

These accomplishments are only possible thanks to the dedication and generosity of our volunteers, donors, and supporters. Your continued support enables us to expand access to transformative educational opportunities for under-served children across China, helping them build both the digital skills and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

Links:

• Read more about our programs on our website

As 2026 begins, we reflect on the past year — a journey defined by learning, collaboration, innovation, and meaningful impact. We are proud to highlight the key achievements of our 2025 Digital Literacy Program.

Building on strong momentum from 2024, the program continued to grow in 2025, reaching 2,076 students through a combination of in-person and online delivery. With the support of more than 250 volunteers and teachers, a total of 1,486 lessons were delivered across under-resourced communities in Shanghai, Tianjin, Anhui, Guangdong, Gansu, Jiangsu, Henan, Sichuan, Hunan, and Yunnan.

The curriculum combines project-based learning with hands-on, collaborative activities, covering core digital competencies such as STEM education, coding and programming, computer fundamentals, and artificial intelligence. In 2025, we further refined existing courses and introduced new AI and online coding modules, ensuring the content met the needs of both younger learners and more advanced students.

As the program matured, a small number of participants developed more advanced technical skills, with some achieving recognition in regional and international robotics competitions. While these achievements represent a subset of students, they demonstrate the program’s ability to identify potential, nurture talent, and inspire higher educational aspirations — contributing to students’ long-term readiness for future learning.

Student feedback remained overwhelmingly positive, with participants consistently describing the program as engaging, creative, and hands-on. Programming and game creation — particularly using Scratch and other graphical coding tools — were most frequently cited as favourite activities. Many students highlighted the sense of achievement and confidence gained from designing their own games, animations, and interactive projects, noting that overcoming initial challenges made success especially rewarding.

We extend our sincere thanks to our volunteers, donors, and partners for their continued support. Your commitment makes this work possible. As we look ahead to 2026, we value your ongoing partnership and look forward to creating even greater impact together.

Links:

• Read more about our programs on our website