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GAC Receives Industry’s First Vehicle Data Security Management System Certificate

TIANJIN, China and GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On December 24th, GAC received renewed authoritative recognition in vehicle data security by obtaining the industry’s first Vehicle Data Security Management System Certification (Certificate No.: 03225DS00001). This milestone signifies that GAC is at the forefront of systematic data security development in the industry, establishing a new benchmark for automotive data governance in the era of intelligent connectivity.

This certification, conducted in accordance with the national standard GB/T 44464-2024 General Requirements for Automotive Data, represents a comprehensive and systematic assessment of an enterprise’s data security management capabilities. Through solid deployment in organizational structure, institutional processes, technical safeguards, and industrial chain collaboration, GAC successfully passed the evaluation, becoming the first automotive enterprise in China to receive this certification.

Significantly GAC HYPTEC HL and All-New S7 have recently passed national-level data security compliance tests with outstanding performance in five key compliance requirements: Anonymization of facial information outside vehicles, in-cabin data processing, default non-collection of cockpit data, explicit notification for personal information processing, and appropriate precision scope application. These solid technical practices have validated the effectiveness of the management system.

GAC’s data security management system not only focuses on the technical protection of vehicles but also extends to the entire data lifecycle—including collection, transmission, storage, usage, and destruction—achieving closed-loop control spanning from R&D to after-sales service. Through systematic and standardized management mechanisms, GAC is committed to turning data security into a core competitive advantage while delivering intelligent mobility experiences, thereby enabling users to enjoy the convenience of technology with peace of mind.

In the future, GAC will continue to strengthen its data security capabilities, drive development through the dual engines of technology and governance, and collaborate with industrial chain partners to build a more trustworthy and reliable intelligent connected vehicle ecosystem. It will inject “security-driving force” into the high-quality development of the industry and create a better intelligent mobility life for users.


 

HZICC: Hangzhou and the World: 10 Paired Conversations

HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — History is woven from stories, and vivid individuals are the protagonists of these tales.

Alongside the event “Hangzhou, a Window to China’s 5000-Year Civilization”, 10 Hangzhou Seekers from 10 different countries embarked on an in-depth exploration of Hangzhou. Organized by the Hangzhou International Communication Center, this event brought together scholars, media professionals, artists, and historians from Spain, Italy, Egypt, Brazil, the United States, Thailand, Turkey, Greece, Canada, and Germany to launch a dialogue of civilizations that transcends mountains and seas and bridges East and West.

This time, we invited 10 Hangzhou representatives to join the 10 Hangzhou Seekers in initiating “Hangzhou and the World: 10 Paired Conversations”. These 10 Hangzhou Seekers may have different perspectives on Hangzhou and attitudes towards the world. We believe that as long as one is full of curiosity and enthusiasm for the world, everyone is a true in-depth explorer of the world. Open and inclusive Hangzhou is providing such a cross-cultural platform for distinctive dialogues of civilizations.

Remonda Fayez Michel, Curator of the Grand Egyptian Museum & Xu Tianjin, Director of Liangzhu Museum (Liangzhu Research Institute) and renowned archaeologist

Theme: Innovative Museum Curation and Civilization Narration

As the director of Liangzhu Museum, he once gained a following among young people for his engaging content. As an archaeologist, he has dedicated over 40 years to Shang and Zhou dynasty archaeology, participating in and leading numerous archaeological excavations and research projects of important sites. In Xu Tianjin’s view, archaeologists should not only excavate cultural relics and explore history, but also interpret culture and guide public participation. These experiences have become the core focus of Remonda Fayez Michel, Curator of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Remonda and Director Xu had in-depth discussions on the strategies and practices of the two museums, jointly exploring new ways to promote ancient civilizations to the world.

Francisca Molinero, Principal of a renowned international school in Spain & Ling Ran, Founding Consultant of Yungu School

Theme: Opportunities and Challenges of Cross-Cultural Education

Francisca’s school brings together students from more than 45 countries, and she has rich experience in cross-cultural education; Ling Ran is an expert in exploring quality education in China. Through exchanges, they discussed how technologies such as AI can be better applied in teaching, how to define “the greatest value of education for children” and “educational goals”, and explored many beneficial practices of Eastern and Western education.

Kittiporn Tantrarungroj, Chairman of the Thailand Choral Association & Zhou Weiping, Artistic Director of the Hangzhou Philharmonic Angel Choir

Theme: Nationality and Globality of Music

Their paths first crossed at a Korean choral festival, and this time their fates intertwined again in Hangzhou. Having switched careers from a doctor to a conductor, Dr. Kittiporn Tantrarungroj skillfully integrates Thai cultural elements with choral music and actively brings it to the international stage. Combining the performance experience of the Hangzhou Philharmonic Angel Choir, Zhou Weiping also shared his exploration and practice in integrating local characteristics with an international perspective in choral music.

David Ringo Miano, Well-known American historian and popular science blogger on history & Wang Chong, Director of the American Studies Center, Zhejiang International Studies University

Theme: The Unique Role of History in Cross-Cultural Communication

How can history serve as a bridge to cross cultural divides and promote mutual understanding? Can the historical narratives, laws of rise and fall, and interaction patterns of different civilizations provide wisdom and a basis for dialogue to interpret the complex cultural collisions of the present? David and Wang Chong’s conversation profoundly and simply clarified how a historical perspective can help people transcend current misunderstandings and promote the development and progress of human civilization.

Renato de Almeida Freitas Junior, Renowned Brazilian lawyer & Yang Rui, Special Host of Hangzhou International Communication Center

Theme: The Youth Force in Social Change

Curitiba in Brazil signed an agreement with Hangzhou to become sister cities in 2001. Visiting China for the first time, Renato paid special attention to China’s technological development, especially the practice of technology benefiting people. Through relaxed conversations, Yang Rui and Renato explored the resonance and complementary value of the two cities in fields such as public transportation, culture, and art.

Angelina Hui Qing Zhang, Senior social media strategy consultant in Canada & Daria, Host of Hangzhoufeel

Theme: Generation Z Embraces Diverse Civilizations

Angelina, a content creator with 7 million followers, and Daria, host of Hangzhoufeel, shared their creative insights in the cross-cultural digital ecosystem—how to connect global youth culture through content such as fashion, beauty, and music.

Christina Papageorgopoulou, Greek anthropology professor & Guo Yi, Professor of the School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University

Theme: Archaeological Science and the Code of Human Civilization

Christina’s team focuses on cutting-edge fields such as paleodietary studies, paleodemography, paleogenetics, and digital archaeology. She is full of interest in the development status, professional ecology, and youth participation of Chinese archaeology; Guo Yi has been engaged in archaeological science research for many years, restoring people’s diet and life by measuring the stable isotope ratios of human bodies. The two scholars not only discussed the possibility of ancient DNA technology in the research of Liangzhu Civilization, but also explored the methodological innovation and theoretical breakthrough of archaeological science in the research of civilization mutual learning.

Leonardo Cinieri Lombroso, Italian documentary director & Gu Jiafeng, Chinese film producer

Theme: Let Stories Become History

Ten years ago, a documentary about a Chinese girl and her Roman landlady was released, arousing curiosity about China among many Italian audiences. This time, Leonardo turned his in-depth exploration trip to Hangzhou into a story-collecting journey. Producer Gu Jiafeng had an in-depth conversation with Leonardo about the narratives of Chinese and Asian films, noting that directors and cameras can become a universal language for cultural integration and civilization mutual learning.

Gunther Riehle, Top 10 World Photographers and renowned German photographer & Wu Zongqi, Honorary Chairman of the Zhejiang Photographers Association, China

Theme: Cities and Nature in Images

Gunther once won the Grand Prize at the Zhejiang International Photography Exhibition in China, thus forging an indissoluble bond with China. During this exploration trip to Hangzhou, he had a friendly conversation with Wu Zongqi, Honorary Chairman of the Zhejiang Photographers Association, who once presented him with the award. Hangzhou is a paradise for photographers to create, and they express themselves through images, presenting a unique artistic dialogue.

Tunç Akkoç, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Harici Media in Turkey & Shen Zhixing, Director and Professor of the Turkish Research Center, Mediterranean Research Institute, Zhejiang International Studies University

Theme: Exploration of the Coexistence of Diverse Civilizations

Tunç is not only the founder and editor-in-chief of Harici, a well-known Turkish media organization, but also a documentary producer who has traveled around the world. Professor Shen Zhixing has been deeply engaged in Turkish language teaching and research for more than 30 years. He has not only compiled the “Turkish-Chinese Dictionary”, but also introduced classic works such as Orhan Pamuk’s “My Name Is Red” (Nobel Prize winner in Literature) to Chinese readers. The two cultural envoys had an in-depth dialogue on the development of China-Turkey relations and literary mutual translation.

We deeply understand that the charm of civilization lies not in uniformity but in diversity; not in monologue but in dialogue. The exciting content of “Hangzhou and the World: 10 Paired Conversations” has been released on Hangzhoufeel’s social media accounts. We hope you will enjoy your viewing.

Xinhua Silk Road: Promotional film “Joining Minhang, Winning the Future” makes global online debut

BEIJING, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Minhang has established itself as the premier destination where scientists and entrepreneurs converge to co-create the future. We cordially invite global investors to join hands with Minhang, to win and prosper together in the times ahead.

 

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/349026.html

To See 5,000 Years of China: Visit Hangzhou — A Global Welcome Awaits

HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Known for centuries as “heaven on earth” in Chinese lore, Hangzhou stands as a living window into China’s profound civilization spanning over five millennia. Today, Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism invites global visitors to explore its unparalleled heritage and modern hospitality.

To See 5,000 Years of China: Visit Hangzhou — A Global Welcome Awaits
To See 5,000 Years of China: Visit Hangzhou — A Global Welcome Awaits

To enhance the shopping experience for international guests, Hangzhou has fully implemented and optimized its “Tax Refund for Tourists” (TRT) policy. Eligible overseas tourists can receive a refund on the Value-Added Tax (VAT) included in their purchases from designated tax-refund shops upon departure. This policy underscores Hangzhou’s commitment to building an international consumption hub and providing a tourist-friendly environment.

The heart of Hangzhou’s appeal lies in its Three World Heritage Sites, each representing a pivotal chapter in Chinese history and culture. West Lake Cultural Landscape, epitomized by the “Ten Scenes of West Lake,” is a masterpiece of classical Chinese aesthetics, reflecting a harmonious blend between humans and nature over a millennium. The Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section), part of the world’s longest and oldest artificial waterway, whispers tales of ancient economic vitality, where historic blocks now seamlessly merge with modern city life. The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City push the credible history of Chinese civilization back over 5,000 years. Its monumental city structure, sophisticated water management system, and exquisite jade artifacts offer tangible proof of China’s ancient origins, earning it the title “The First City of China.”

From the Neolithic jade relics of Liangzhu, to the poetic West Lake, and the enduring Grand Canal, Hangzhou beautifully connects the glorious threads of Chinese civilization. Now, as a dynamic fusion of ancient charm and contemporary innovation, the city extends a warm invitation to the world. Through international services like the convenient TRT policy, visitors are welcomed to personally discover why to see 5,000 years of China, one must look to Hangzhou.

The Lisu ethnic group: Time-honored dancing steps with crossbow witnesses mission to new life

BEIJING, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on The Lisu ethnic group:

The Lisu ethnic group: Time-honored dancing steps with crossbow witnesses mission to new life
https://youtu.be/rSx-_zyn2qo

Every year during the Water Splashing Festival, the area in front of the Puti Temple gradually becomes lively. On the evening of the festival, a banquet promoting ethnic unity is held in front of the temple’s main hall, where guests from various ethnic groups raise their glasses together to celebrate. Among them is Hu Lanying.

Hu Lanying, a scholar from the Lisu ethnic group, is dedicated to the research and development of her people’s culture. In recent days, she and her companions have taken time to rehearse the Lisu dance “We Come to Meet.”

Hu Lanying, vice president of the Dehong Lisu Development and Progress Research Association: Our movements should be lively and our steps light. We are here to celebrate the Dai Water Splashing Festival. The meaning of that song is that brothers and sisters come together to be happy, to sing, and to dance.

The Lisu ethnic group is known for their singing and dancing. During the Lisu New Year festival called “Kuoshi,” young men and women dress in traditional attire and participate in activities such as crossbow shooting, dancing, and singing competitions. Some express their mutual affection through graceful dance movements and melodious songs, often leading to lifelong commitments.

The narrative epic “Kuoshi Mugua” is a traditional song performed during the Kuoshi Festival. The original poem consists of nearly 10,000 lines, each with five characters. The singing is robust and passionate, characterized by a strong rhythmic quality. Accompanied by the three-step dance called “Daga,” it showcases elements of Lisu culture such as migration history, traditional clothing, and rituals. It is considered one of the living fossils of the Lisu cultural heritage.

Yu Zhongbin, county-level inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of “Kuoshi Mugua”: Our Lisu ancestors have long lived and guarded the border areas. Tribe members carried crossbows and guns to defend the frontier and protect their homeland. Over time, combined with ceremonies celebrating heroes, this gradually evolved into the current grand performance featuring carrying large crossbows, wielding weapons, and performing the Kuoshi Daga dance.

Since childhood, whenever someone invited masters to perform “House Building Tune,” the “Wedding Tune,” or the “Grand Celebration Tune,” Yu Zhongbin would listen attentively. He eventually became a lead performer called “Gatou.” Today, the elder has trained several lead performers to carry on this art form.

Cao Yuhua is currently one of the lead performers of “Kuoshi Mugua” and a recognized inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage. During festival events, he dons traditional attire to escort the giant crossbow to the site. The Lisu crossbow has a long history and symbolizes the bravery and wisdom of the Lisu people.

Cao Yuhua, county-level inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of “Kuoshi Mugua”: This giant crossbow is used before we set out on a mission. Everyone performs the Kuoshi Daga dance, which we call the departure dance.

Today, Cao Yuhua and fellow inheritor Yu Shengqiu teamed up to showcase Lisu ethnic customs to guests. Yu Shengqiu and the Lisu young women rose early to prepare for the event.

Yu Shengqiu, county-level inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of “Kuoshi Mugua”: This is called a “Baotou.” When we wear it, we need to arrange it all properly, then put it on like this.

The traditional dress of Lisu women in Dehong, known as “Flower Lisu,” is vibrant and visually striking. Their outfits feature richly embroidered trims on both the tops and long skirts. They wear floral-patterned headscarves wrapped around their heads, which sway gracefully as they walk, highlighting their elegance.

“Kuoshi Mugua” is not only an ethnic epic but also rich in vivid expressions. Through a call-and-response format between men and women, it narrates themes of production, daily life, love, and friendship.

In the Lisu language, “Shi Mi Wa Di” means “a place worth visiting.” On the vast, verdant lawns, rivers flow gently, with lush grass and well-fed cattle. Young men and women, sometimes sitting in circles and sometimes dancing together, sing loudly. The flowers, the wind, the scenery, and the trees create a breathtakingly beautiful setting.

The Lisu ethnic group: Time-honored dancing steps with crossbow witnesses mission to new life
http://www.china.org.cn/2025-09/04/content_118061427.shtml

Hecto Media Launches AI-Powered Multilingual K-Culture Platform, ‘K-snapp’

  • Real-time, AI-driven multilingual delivery of K-entertainment news to expand global fan engagement

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hecto Media, a subsidiary of Hecto Group, has officially launched K-snapp (k-snapp.com), Korea’s first AI-powered multilingual K-culture service. K-snapp represents a new global media model that delivers entertainment and cultural content produced in Korea to audiences around the world in real time.

[K-snapp Photo] Image generated by AI
[K-snapp Photo] Image generated by AI

As K-content such as K-Pop Demon Hunters gains global attention, demand for rapid access to Korean entertainment and cultural news is increasing. However, services that allow international fans to follow Korea’s entertainment industry in real time without language barriers remain limited, with concerns over the speed and accuracy of translation and editing.

To address these structural limitations, Hecto Media has implemented an AI-driven system that collects and analyzes entertainment news and K-star social media data, identifies key issues based on global fan interest, and automates the entire process—from translation and editing to multilingual distribution. Through this AI-based approach, K-snapp positions itself as a global fandom platform delivering K-culture news in multiple languages with unmatched speed.

Since its early stages, K-snapp has attracted a steady influx of international fans primarily through Instagram, with its follower count approaching 30,000. Following the launch of English and Spanish services, the platform introduced its Japanese-language service on the 16th and plans to expand into additional languages, including Chinese, to accelerate its global market expansion.

Leveraging its proprietary technology framework, Hecto Media is exploring collaboration opportunities with global media outlets, entertainment companies, and platform operators. By automating the entire content production and distribution process through AI, partners can achieve both cost efficiency and global scalability, while rapidly deploying customized K-content services tailored to their own platforms.

In addition, K-snapp has a roadmap to evolve into a participatory fandom platform and plans to introduce new fandom experiences through global payment and community features.

A representative from K-snapp said, “As global expectations continue to rise with the expansion of K-content, K-snapp is a platform that delivers news about Korean artists with speed and accuracy,” adding that “starting with the expansion of its multilingual services, the company aims to evolve into a global fandom platform encompassing community and payment features.”

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Venturing into the “Robotics + Artificial Intelligence” Frontier Shenzhen Kingkey Smart Agriculture Times Strategically Invests in Huibo Robotics

HONG KONG, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On the evening of December 30th, Shenzhen Kingkey Smart Agriculture Times (stock code: a000048) announced the formal signing of an《Equity Investment Intention Agreement》with Jiangsu Huibo Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. (“Huibo Robotics”). Shenzhen Kingkey Smart Agriculture Times intends to acquire a controlling stake through a capital increase and equity transfer, and will jointly establish an “Embodied Robotics Research Institute” with Huibo Robotics’ core team, led by Academician Sun Li Ning. This marks a significant step for the listed company, whose primary business is hog raising, into cutting-edge technology fields such as robotics, Embodied Intelligence, and Artificial Intelligence. Shenzhen Kingkey Smart Agriculture Times is officially entering the burgeoning field of AI and robotics integration, establishing a foundation for its second growth curve.

Huibo Robotics: Leading the Way in AI-Powered Intelligent Manufacturing Full-Stack Solutions

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Suzhou, Jiangsu Huibo Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. is a national high-tech enterprise specializing in the research and industrialization of robotics, intelligent manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence technologies. Huibo has constructed a full-stack technology system encompassing “core components, operating systems, complete machine systems, and application scenarios.” The company was previously listed on the New Third Board, demonstrating financial transparency and standardized governance.

Huibo Robotics’ core team hails from the Harbin Institute of Technology’s Robotics Research Institute, Huawei, and other prominent enterprises. Led by academicians, Chang Jiang Scholars, and other leading experts, the team has spearheaded multiple national-level research and development projects. Huibo Robotics has been recognized as a “Specialized, Refined, and New Little Giant” by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and as an Innovative Team by the Ministry of Science and Technology, holding over 400 authorized patents, including 114 invention patents.

Huibo Robotics’ core technologies encompass robot core components (such as high-performance integrated joints), domestic robot operating systems, and Artificial Intelligence technologies (machine vision, multi-modal perception, etc.). Its main products include new energy operation and maintenance robots, Embodied Intelligence robots (humanoid, quadruped), university education products, and intelligent manufacturing factories, serving customers in higher education, energy, intelligent manufacturing, and other industries.

The company is a domestic leader in the construction of university robotics laboratories and intelligent operation and maintenance for photovoltaic power stations. It also has advantages in intelligent factory solutions for niche areas such as the nuclear industry, having cumulatively served over 1,000 leading enterprises, including Huaneng and Huadian, and nearly 2,000 institutions, such as Harbin Institute of Technology and Northwestern Polytechnical University. As of the end of September 2025, the company’s total assets reached RMB 1.004 billion, with net assets of RMB 317 million. Full-year revenue for 2024 was RMB 380 million, and the projected full-year revenue for 2025 is approximately RMB 400 million, demonstrating a strong foundation and promising growth potential.

Steered by Academician Sun Li Ning, Pioneering Breakthroughs and Industrialization of Embodied Intelligence Technology

Academician Sun Li Ning, a renowned robotics expert, co-founded Huibo Robotics in 2009 and serves as its founder and chief scientist. In leading the company’s development, Academician Sun strategically established a forward-looking “dual-engine” strategy focused on industry and education, taking the lead in deploying the “robotics + AI” and Embodied Intelligence technology roadmap. By spearheading initiatives such as the establishment of provincial-level Academician Expert Innovation Centers, he provides strategic support for the company’s technological research and development, and industrialization efforts.

With thirty years of dedicated research in the robotics field, Academician Sun has achieved systematic and innovative breakthroughs in cutting-edge areas such as industrial robots, medical robots, and micro-nano robots. He has twice been awarded the second prize of the National Technology Invention Award/National Science and Technology Progress Award, and has received numerous national honors, including the Ho Leung Ho Lee Prize and the National Innovation and Competition Award Certificate.

As a recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, a Distinguished Professor of the Ministry of Education’s “Changjiang Scholars Program,” a leading talent in the National Ten Thousand Talents Program, the head of the Innovation Team in Key Fields of the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Innovation Talent Promotion Plan, and a Fellow of the Chinese Society of Micro-Nano Technology, Academician Sun enjoys a highly esteemed reputation in both academic and industrial sectors.

Notably, Academician Sun leads the core team of the Harbin Institute of Technology Robotics Research Institute, establishing a unique team advantage combining “top university research expertise + practical experience from leading technology enterprises.” This continuously provides Huibo Robotics with high-caliber talent, national-level research projects, and industrial resources, injecting crucial momentum into the company’s innovative breakthroughs and commercialization efforts in the age of Embodied Intelligence.

Embracing the Technological Revolution, Creating New Synergistic Value

Currently, the world is experiencing a technological revolution and industrial transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence and robotics. Shenzhen Kingkey Smart Agriculture Times’s strategic investment in Huibo Robotics marks its official entry into the “robotics + AI” sector. This move not only lays the groundwork for future growth and optimizes the business structure, but also represents a key strategic decision to promote industrial synergy.

As per the agreement, Huibo Robotics will center its operations on “robotics + AI” within high-value sectors like industry and new energy. The company will commit to full-stack development and practical application, building a sustainable profit model based on “robot sales + value-added services” through precision manufacturing and process optimization. Huibo Robotics has also committed to launching two humanoid robot products by 2026, achieving an average annual revenue growth of at least 30% from 2026 to 2028, and filing applications for no fewer than 200 related patents.

This investment holds significant potential for industrial synergy. By leveraging Huibo’s technological advantages, Shenzhen Kingkey Smart Agriculture Times’s Hog Raising business can accelerate its transformation toward intelligent operations on the existing foundation of standardization, industrialization, and digitalization, further enhancing its sustainable development momentum and core competitiveness. Through technological innovation and industrial integration, the company will unlock new development opportunities, inject momentum into long-term value enhancement, and generate improved returns for shareholders.

From Livestock to Learning: Kansa’s Story

An Education Cannot Wait-funded, Norwegian Refugee Council and Save the Children-supported holistic education programme is bringing internally-displaced children to school for the very first time in Ethiopia.

BABILE WOREDA, Ethiopia, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — When Kansa was eleven years old, her quiet life was turned upside down. Born in Belbelītī Village in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia, the young girl’s days were spent helping her family tend to their livestock. But when the border conflict between the Somali and Oromia regions arrived at their doorstep, Kansa and her family were forced to flee their home – leaving everything but the clothes on their backs behind. 

Kansa writes on the blackboard in her classroom in the Kologi IDP Camp, Ethiopia. © Save the Children and NRC Ethiopia/Saron Habtamu
Kansa writes on the blackboard in her classroom in the Kologi IDP Camp, Ethiopia. © Save the Children and NRC Ethiopia/Saron Habtamu

The family of nine – Kansa, her parents and six siblings – eventually found safety and settled in the Kologi IDP Camp in Babile Woreda, Somali Region. Despite the upheaval and loss that young Kansa experienced during this unimaginable time, she notes one shining silver lining to her new life: school.

Before coming to the IDP camp, Kansa had never stepped foot inside of a classroom.

After arriving at Kologi Camp, a back-to-school campaign created awareness in the community about the benefits of education and encouraged parents, including Kansa’s, to enroll their daughters and sons in the camp primary school. Now 15, Kansa is a star student at Horsade Primary School and looks forward to class every day. 

Supported by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) with funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises within the United Nations, the camp school is providing a holistic education response in the crisis-affected community.

Growing up in Belbelītī Village, Kansa didn’t think she would ever have the opportunity to attend school, or dream of a life outside of tending livestock and doing household chores.  “Most girls like me despaired of ever getting an education,” she says.

Today, Kansa is in the fourth grade. A student at Horsade Primary School in the Kologi IDP Camp, she has been regularly attending school for four years. Her favorite subjects are English, mathematics and environmental science. 

The fifteen-year-old has big dreams for her future, too. She says, “I want to be educated and become a university lecturer.”

Ethiopia is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises it has seen in decades due to internal violence, insecurity, poverty, displacement, hunger and malnutrition compounded by the impacts of climate change. The worst drought in four decades, exacerbated by climate change, is triggering conflicts and has made survival a daily struggle for many in the country. These challenges are compromising the education of hundreds of thousands of children.

Since 2017, ECW has been supporting refugee, internally-displaced and host community children to access safe and inclusive educational opportunities – with the aim of increasing enrolment and continuity of education; providing training for teachers; strengthening school infrastructure; and building community support for safe, inclusive, holistic learning environments, with a focus on girls and children with disabilities.

ECW’s investments in Ethiopia are ensuring that in-country partners like NRC are able to provide critical ‘whole-of-child’ interventions. For Kansa and the children in Kologi IDP Camp, this translates to quality education, the provision of school materials and menstrual hygiene products, school feeding programmes, access to clean water, mental health and psychosocial support, support from peer and girls’ clubs, and more.

ECW-supported partners Save the Children and NRC work in close collaboration to ensure school feeding for crisis-affected children like Kansa. “My family and I eat once or twice a day. But unlike us, most of my classmates are not able to eat even once daily,” she says. “Getting this service in school has tremendously increased our enrollment. School feeding is crucial for all of us.” 

Joining an NRC-facilitated girls’ club at school, Kansa has continued to flourish under the encouragement and support of peers and coaches. The club has provided girls in the camp with a safe place to discuss things such as school and menstrual hygiene management.

Four years into her education, Kansa has gained more than the ability to read, write and do math. She has become a happier child and learned to dream. “We, as displaced people, used to feel that we were not equal to others and that we couldn’t get an education. As a girl, going to school was unthinkable. However, attending this school and receiving support from the girls’ club has boosted my confidence and shown me that we have the same right to learn as boys do – and that I can do anything,” says Kansa.