Afterschool Geekery Program – Bridging the Digital Divide for Marginalized Youth in Central and Eastern Europe

The Afterschool Geekery Program, initiated by the Foundation for Global Human Dignity (FGHD), is a unique afterschool initiative designed to empower disadvantaged children, particularly those from Roma and marginalized communities, by equipping them with essential digital skills. This program offers coding, robotics, and digital literacy training to young people facing severe social and economic hardships across Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, and now, with expanded reach, Poland and Germany.

Why Afterschool Geekery?

For many underprivileged children in Central and Eastern Europe, quality education, particularly in technology, remains out of reach. Systemic barriers, historical discrimination, and socio-economic challenges limit their educational and career prospects. The Afterschool Geekery Program is designed to break down these barriers by offering a structured, supportive learning environment focused on digital skills—key to future job opportunities in the modern economy.

How the Program Works

Through weekly sessions led by specially trained IT mentors, children engage in hands-on learning using tools like Scratch (a child-friendly coding platform) and LEGO Spike Prime robotics kits. The program uses an interactive, project-based approach to make complex concepts accessible and enjoyable for young learners. By fostering creativity and problem-solving, children not only build digital skills but also gain confidence and resilience in a supportive setting.

The curriculum encourages teamwork, self-expression, and critical thinking, enabling children to experience learning success that many of them have never encountered in traditional schooling.

Key Achievements and Expansions

In the first phase, Afterschool Geekery successfully trained 45 mentors who taught over 500 children across Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine. These mentors underwent comprehensive training covering digital skills, child protection, and effective teaching strategies, which helped them create safe and engaging learning environments. Over time, mentors and children alike have formed strong bonds that enrich the learning experience and foster community connections.

As we move into the second year, the program expands into Poland and Germany, where Roma and other underprivileged children face similar challenges. With this growth, we aim to increase our reach to over 700 children and nearly 50 active mentors by the end of this phase.

Impact on Children and Communities

The Afterschool Geekery Program is more than just an afterschool activity; it’s a space for personal growth, community building, and hope. For many participants, the program represents a rare opportunity to develop valuable skills in a field that is both exciting and relevant to today’s job market. Children learn to work in teams, express themselves creatively, and overcome obstacles—skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.

Beyond individual children, the program’s impact ripples outward to families, schools, and communities. Teachers and local community members are involved in the planning and implementation of sessions, which reinforces the program’s goals of social inclusion and support. By empowering young people with digital skills and self-confidence, the program contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty and marginalization faced by Roma and other disadvantaged groups.

Looking Ahead

The Afterschool Geekery Program will continue to grow, offering more young people the chance to develop digital skills and a love for learning. As the program expands across Europe, FGHD remains committed to fostering inclusive education and bridging the digital divide for marginalized youth, ensuring a brighter future for communities in need.

For more information on how you can support or get involved, please visit our website’s support page. Together, we’re creating a path to a better, more inclusive future for every child.