The mission of Engage with China (EwC) is to build a China-literate generation in UK primary and secondary schools by building global awareness through the case study of China. By developing curiosity about the world’s second largest economy, young people will be equipped with relevant know-how and vital 21st century skills so that they can grow into effective leaders of tomorrow. Due to its size, scale and economic development, China’s rise will impact and influence the future and the global status quo. With knowledge comes power opportunity and aspiration. Our EwC programmes and resources, enable young people to make connections across curriculum subjects, have a better understanding of their place in the world and envision sustainable solutions for global problems in the future.

Established in 2018, Engage with China provides a unique offering by delivering age-specific ‘China Challenge Days’ in schools. To date we have reached 2,000 pupils across multiple year groups in schools around the country from the West Midlands, Wiltshire, London, Liverpool and the Home Counties. Schools are delighted with the cultural enrichment, pupil engagement, cross-curricular reinforcement of learnings and the curiosity that is inspired about the country that will impact their lives more than any other.

By opening young eyes to China we unlock curiosity about the world’s second largest economy and create a pathway to further China engagement through, for example, the selection of mandarin learning at GCSE, internships, university studies or a desire to work or study in China. We recognise that this is important to build competitive edge for young people themselves in the UK, as well as for the nation as a whole.

In the immediate and short-term, we seek to reach another 2,000 pupils aged 5-18 in the 2022/2023 academic year, through delivery of China Challenge Days and to create an expectation and ethos of cultural and global learning about China in schools.

We aim to create and provide distinctive, unique in-classroom cultural experiences for pupils that are not otherwise available or possible due to lack of teacher know-how, availability of learning materials and resources or the opportunity to travel due to the pandemic and its consequences.