Through this initiative, we try to connect with students in underdeveloped areas of China, bridging the educational and cultural gap while focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), and 5 (Gender Equality). Our experience has been a profound journey in fostering friendships, promoting cultural exchange, and empowering young girls.
In the past few months, our team reached out to 20 students from primary, middle, and high schools in less-developed regions of China, including cities such as Taiyuan, Sichuan, and Shenyang. These students face unequal access to educational resources, particularly when it comes to learning English. In contrast to their counterparts in metropolitan cities like Shanghai and Beijing, who benefit from an international environment, these underprivileged children have limited opportunities for quality education.
Our solution to this educational disparity is a heartwarming pen pal program. We paired the Chinese students with college students from SciencesPo Le Havre, who hail from France. Through weekly email exchanges, these pen pals share their life experiences, promote cultural exchange, and practice their language skills. This initiative transcends the boundaries of mere communication; it's about building genuine friendships.