Xiaomi Partners with European Schoolnet to Kickstart "Bridging the Digital Divide in Education" Initiative
Empowering Underprivileged Youth Across Europe with Digital Resources
BEIJING - Xiaomi Corporation ("Xiaomi" or the "Group"; stock code:1810), a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an Internet of Things (IoT) platform at its core, is excited to launch its "Bridging the Digital Divide in Education" corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. In collaboration with European Schoolnet, a network of 33 Ministries of Education involved in the transformation of education since 1997, the initiative aims to leverage Xiaomi's digital technology to support underserved educational centers across Europe, a press release stated by Xiaomi.
Even as digital literacy has become a cornerstone for success in today's fast-evolving world, young people still face barriers due to insufficient access to digital tools and skills, hindering educational and employment opportunities and posing challenges in both personal and professional life. According to the European Commission¹ report on the State of the Digital Decade 2023, more than 90% of European jobs require basic digital knowledge alongside traditional skills like literacy and numeracy. However, approximately 32 % of Europeans still lack basic digital skills.
Guided by its mission to "let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology," Xiaomi is committed to making technological advancements inclusive and accessible to all. Its "Bridging the Digital Divide in Education" initiative addresses these goals by bringing advanced technology and digital education to underserved European youth, empowering the next generation to thrive in a technology-driven future.
Xiaomi will contribute its expertise in smart hardware and IoT technology by joining the Scientix ® STEM Alliance, a Europe-wide initiative focused on strengthening STEM education and applying its resources and knowledge to support STEM education initiatives. As part of this initiative, Xiaomi will support the STEM Discovery Campaign 2025 in identifying schools, science clubs, and educational centers across Europe with limited access to technology. Selected organizations will receive Xiaomi devices paired with training programs and customized curricula to integrate technology into classrooms, fostering more interactive and engaging learning experiences.
"At Xiaomi, we believe technology education is a crucial element of youth development," said Daniel Desjarlais, Director of Communications, Xiaomi International, "Joining hands with European Schoolnet, our 'Bridging the Digital Divide in Education' initiative is taking a meaningful step to create a more inclusive digital future for youth and enhance their readiness for a technology-driven world."
Marc Durando, Executive Director of European Schoolnet, added, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Xiaomi on this encouraging initiative, especially with the offering of their devices and smart platform to both, equip underserved youth with essential digital tools and enhance educational experiences through our extensive network across Europe. Together, we are working to create a meaningful impact on inspiring a culture of innovation that prepares youth to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape."
Xiaomi is consistently committed to empowering the next generation through education and innovation. The company has rolled out various initiatives to expand access to technology and create learning opportunities for youth from diverse backgrounds, such as providing Xiaomi devices to underserved communities across Southeast Asia and hosting workshops in Europe that inspire creativity and storytelling by leveraging the powerful cameras on Xiaomi smartphones. These efforts have helped lay a strong foundation for fostering a more inclusive digital future.
As the "Bridging the Digital Divide in Education" CSR initiative takes shape, Xiaomi's mission to make quality technology accessible to all continues to guide its efforts in delivering long-term, sustainable solutions. By integrating technology into education, Xiaomi seeks to address the immediate digital divide while reinforcing its commitment to driving positive social change.
Moving forward, the initiative will continue exploring opportunities to collaborate with communities and uncover areas where innovative technology can empower education and help to bridge gaps, paving the way for a more inclusive world.
