The Foundation for Global Human Dignity (FGHD) is excited to announce the continuation of the Afterschool Geekery Program, generously supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This initiative has become a cornerstone of our mission to provide high-quality, accessible digital education to marginalized children, particularly from Roma and other underserved communities in Central and Eastern Europe.
Building on the program’s first ELCA-funded year, the renewed support enables FGHD to expand the reach and impact of the Afterschool Geekery Program, providing even more children with skills and confidence to navigate a tech-driven world.
The Afterschool Geekery Program offers hands-on courses in coding and robotics for children ages 6 to 17, providing these young learners with essential digital skills that are otherwise out of reach. From Scratch programming to LEGO robotics, each course is designed to spark curiosity and develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills—all while nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment.
These educational opportunities are critical for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom face multiple barriers to quality education. In addition to training in essential digital tools, children in the program learn social skills and gain the confidence to imagine a future in which technology opens doors to new possibilities. Each afterschool session offers participants a safe space for self-expression and teamwork, which is often absent in their day-to-day lives.
In the first year of ELCA-supported activities, the program trained 45 mentors across Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine. These mentors led weekly sessions for more than 500 children, who gained valuable digital skills and experienced the joy of learning through technology. With 12 summer camps and multiple Afterschool Geekery centers, children had numerous chances to deepen their knowledge, practice with cutting-edge technology, and build lasting friendships.
Mentors played a central role, facilitating interactive lessons and guiding children through the challenges of programming and robotics. Each mentor received certification upon completing their training and was equipped with a toolkit covering digital skills, child protection, and teaching strategies tailored to young learners. These mentors brought the lessons to life, serving as positive role models and creating welcoming environments that fostered community bonds among participants and families alike.
With the program’s expansion, FGHD will extend its activities into Poland and Germany, adding to the established sites in Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine. This second year will allow us to enroll over 700 children across five countries, while training an additional 18 mentors to accommodate growing demand. Each new site will replicate the model of inclusive digital education, creating even more opportunities for young people to explore technology and develop valuable skills for their futures.
Year Two also brings expanded curriculum elements, including drone programming and app development. These additions are designed to engage participants at various skill levels and offer them a view of the technology landscape that goes beyond coding, inspiring interest in fields like engineering, robotics, and computer science. With more tools at their disposal, children can set ambitious goals for themselves, envisioning roles in the digital economy that they may not have previously considered possible.
The Afterschool Geekery Program’s impact is significant not only for participants but also for their families and communities. Each child who participates carries new skills and confidence back into their homes, sharing digital knowledge with siblings, friends, and parents. As mentors become part of the local fabric, they build connections with families, teachers, and community leaders, reinforcing the importance of inclusive education and fostering a culture of learning and empowerment.
FGHD envisions a future where digital literacy is accessible to all children, regardless of their background. We are committed to supporting marginalized communities and breaking down barriers to education. With continued support from ELCA, we can help children from all backgrounds develop the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century, shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
The path forward is filled with promise, and we thank everyone—our supporters, partners, mentors, and participants—who make this journey possible. Together, we are building a legacy of digital inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity that will positively impact generations to come.