Stories Across Borders | Seeds of Empowerment

Project Description

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 / 1.5 years, and a first in-person educational trip is planned for 2026.

Impact Metrics

Measured outcomes of the project so far

Stories Across Borders combines sustained educational exchange with visible creative and community outcomes.

20 students engaged in Beijing
30 students engaged in Kenya
~100 teaching hours delivered
18 months of continuous weekly classes
4 illustrated storybooks published
$1,000 raised for learning materials
25 student volunteers involved

Project Timeline

How the partnership has grown over time

Sep 2024 — Project launched; partnership established with Kenya Assemblies of God School
Sep 2024 — Weekly online classes began (first Saturday of September)
2024–2026 — Continuous once-a-week, one-hour teaching sessions
2025 — Story exchange developed into illustrated book production
Dec 25, 2025 — First major fundraiser held; funds raised for learning materials
2025–2026 — Four storybooks published
2026 — Planned first in-person educational trip to Kenya

Story Library

The Legacy of Old Mate

Written by Faith

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.”

Cheptum's Race

Written by Joshua

Joshua

“My name is Joshua. I love football!!!! Hope you like my story!”

Charlie's Lesson

Written by Norah

Norah

“I am Norah. I like drawing pictures and reading stories. When the teacher asks a question, I try my best to answer. Reading makes me proud.”

Blindness of Anger

Written by Susan

Susan

“My name is Susan. I like singing and learning English. I help my classmates read because I want everyone to feel confident. English makes me feel strong.”

Project Lead

Zeyu (Idina) Liu

Founder & Project Director

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.

Media

Media coverage and project highlights

Media coverage, school features, and project highlights will be added here as the initiative continues to grow.