Stepping Stones’ work began in 2006, when principals of migrant schools in Shanghai and rural Chinese schools asked our founder to teach English to their students. English is the subject that poses the most challenges to rural and other disadvantaged children, due to inadequate English language learning resources. Lack of attainment in English skills restricts educational and employment opportunities for disadvantaged children and youth. Our main objectives are to improve students’ motivation and confidence in English, which are two key dimensions of learning a second language.
Our approach is designed to place emphasis upon teaching English through speaking and listening activities and to maximize the active participation and engagement of students in the teaching-learning process. Our volunteers are trained to provide fun and interactive oral English lessons, which motivate and engage students by using only English in the classroom.