Storytelling, fundraising, and long-term educational connection
Stories Across Borders is a student-founded educational initiative that has connected 20 students from Beijing International Bilingual School with 30 students from Kenya Assemblies of God School since September 2024.
Through 18 months of continuous weekly online classes, story exchange, and fundraising, the project has delivered about 100 hours of English learning support, published 4 student storybooks, and raised $1,000 for learning materials for children in rural Kajiado County, Kenya.
The project began with stories written by Kenyan children, which were then illustrated and turned into children's books for charity reading and fundraising. Alongside the books, students organized community fundraising activities to support books, notebooks, stationery, and other learning materials for partner students in Kenya.
This is not a one-time exchange. The partnership has included regular online classes once a week for one hour, continuing for 18 months, and a first in-person educational trip is planned for 2026.
Stories written by students in the program:
Written by Faith: "I am Faith. I am a little shy, but I like reading and using my imagination. I enjoy making ideas in my head and sharing them in class."
Written by Joshua: "My name is Joshua. I love football!!!! Hope you like my story!"
Written by Norah: "I am Norah. I like drawing pictures and reading stories. When the teacher asks a question, I try my best to answer."
Written by Susan: "My name is Susan. I like singing and learning English. I help my classmates read because I want everyone to feel confident."
As the founder of Stories Across Borders, Idina initiated the partnership with Kenya Assemblies of God School in September 2024, designed and sustained the weekly online English learning format, led fundraising campaigns that raised $1,000 for learning materials, managed 25 student volunteers, coordinated the collection, illustration, and publication of 4 storybooks, and maintained 18 months of continuous teaching commitment.