Apple China hosts big event to close Innovation Camp Beijing

Tech to help build communities

Apple in China hosted an event to close the Today at Apple Innovation Camp Beijing Project, featuring local artists and non-profit community partners who have shared new skills with attendees over 12-weeks.

Apple Innovation Camp Beijing Project

The camps involved Apple, mentors, guests and community partners, including the China Poverty Alleviation Foundation and the Youcheng Entrepreneur Poverty Alleviation Foundation all got together to help working youth in Beijing explore their creativity.

The series of events also provided career development guidance and art education resources for undervalued communities around the world. Beijing is one of the first cities in the world to launch the project.

“Education and creativity are Apple’s core concepts, and we firmly believe that everyone should have the tools and guidance to explore their love.” Deirdre O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Apple Retail Business and Human Resources, said.

The idea is set to become global

O’Brien also promised the camps would be extended to other nations, saying: “Today at Apple’s Innovation Camp Beijing participants’ works are wonderful and encouraging, and they are also inspiring to promote the project to more cities around the world.”

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Li Jiachen, deputy secretary-general of Youcheng Entrepreneur Poverty Alleviation Foundation, said: “Young workers are bridges between cities and villages. I believe that they will use their creativity and imagination in the future to bring more possibilities to cities and villages.”

The Apple announcement also discussed some real life example.

In the case of community librarian, Wang Qian, the student chose to create an app she built to enable communities to loan and borrow books and create community libraries, including reading clubs. (This is a great idea, IMHO).

In another example community music teacher and band guitarist, Xie Hangcheng worked on one of his songs, including use of production tools, sequencers, samplers and GarageBand. “We should all jump out of our comfort zone and go out to meet more teachers and friends.” Xie Hangcheng said. “We should maintain the concept of lifelong learning.”

Today at Apple Creative Camp is a continuation of the events Apple has introduced in stores worldwide. The idea is that Apple works with community partners and mentors to give people access to useful hands-on courses for skill development, self-expression, and community transformation.

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