Digital literacy is crucial for economic and societal participation. Acquiring knowledge and skills in areas such as AI and programing can create opportunities and help lift people out of poverty. Yet access to education can be unequal and put certain population groups at a disadvantage.

One such group is children with visual impairments. The World Health Organization estimates that some 19 million children under the age of 16 globally live with visual disabilities. Traditional educational resources often fail to meet the needs of these children, leaving them behind. With education considered a basic human right, the need for inclusive learning solutions that cater to all is clear.

Developing an inclusive AI programing module

Tencent is working to address the issue in a targeted way. In 2023, we launched "First Lesson in AI Programing," an initiative aimed at equipping young minds with useful tech skills for the future. The program has already reached over 200,000 students across 1,600 elementary schools in China, introducing them to the basics of AI and programing.

Building on this success, the company rolled out an accessible version of the program in early 2024, specifically developed for blind and visually impaired students. This version was carefully created through close consultation with members of the sight-impaired community and educational experts to ensure that it meets the unique needs of young learners. 

In this innovative learning-through-play program, an hour-long practical lesson comes to life through sound and touch, not just sight. Voice-based instructions guide students through their lesson, while descriptive audio narrates vivid scenes and tactile props provide physical context. This multi-sensory environment is tailored for students who experience the world primarily through senses other than sight.

The adaptive module enables students with visual impairments to effectively interact with and harness technology for their benefit. By teaching some basics of AI and programing, it empowers them to navigate and innovate in a digital world.

Guangrong, a blind engineer and instructor at Tencent, played a role in developing the accessible version of the "First Lesson in AI Programing." Reflecting on the project, he says: "The world is changing fast. By learning about AI and programing, we can keep pace with the advancements of our era." Such initiatives can level the playing field for all students. 

An empowering initiative that encourages problem solving

To date, the results have been encouraging. Students in the initial trials have shown an 84 percent improvement in computational thinking. In addition to learning about AI and programing, it equips them with problem-solving skills and the basics to navigate the digital landscape.

From the pilot program in Guangzhou and Beijing, we plan to expand this initiative to more than 100 schools for the blind and visually impaired across China. More than simply scaling up, it’s about rethinking education to ensure that every child, regardless of physical ability, has viable employment opportunities.

Expanding career opportunities

Traditionally, visually impaired students have faced narrow career paths when they leave school. The AI programing class, however, aims to help change their perspective on this, showing these students and the world that there are exciting career possibilities in tech and related fields. 

Guangrong expresses optimism about the ability of the initiative to boost student prospects. "Like everyone else, we pursue a better life. In the future, I hope we can use AI to realize our dreams."