Building better lives for children through practical skill development

A new collaboration between the Sarigato Foundation and Microsoft brings more educational programs to socially and digitally excluded children through the foundation’s Hakersi Kids project.

The Sarigato Foundation will introduce lessons based on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) to support hands-on activities that develop children’s technology skill sets. The lessons will encourage independence and develop practical skills to help build better futures for children who come from at-risk backgrounds that set them back. STEAM educators will lead weekly classes at children’s community centers and care facilities.

“Thanks to the collaboration with Microsoft we will increase access to modern education, foster children’s skills, their self-esteem, and sense of independence. All of this will allow us to put the idea of inclusivity into practice and fulfill the mission of supporting those in need,” said Aleksandra Mieczkowska, Project Coordinator at the Hakersi Kids.

Activities will be conducted using Microsoft tools such as Minecraft Education, Whiteboard, Teams, and Copilot. This support builds on Microsoft’s broader commitment to develop digital skills in regions hosting its cloud infrastructure.

“Our collaboration with the Sarigato Foundation and support for the Hakersi project is a natural continuation of our efforts in local communities,” said Piotr Bralski, Datacenter Director at Microsoft. “We believe technology has the power to change lives for the better, and the Foundation’s mission strongly resonates with our goals of promoting equal opportunities and developing digital skills. We’re proud to support the Hakersi project, which gives children and young people from underprivileged backgrounds access to knowledge, tools, and support that can truly shape their future.”

Children in the project will receive starter packs that include tablets and educational materials prior to the activities. The Sarigato Foundation is currently recruiting educators and facilities to begin classes in 2025.