Dubai Teen Kavin Khanna Empowers Over 2,700 Rural Students in Bihar with Digital Skills

Bridging the Digital Divide: A 17-Year-Old’s Vision for Rural Bihar

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, access to digital education remains uneven, especially in remote parts of India. But a remarkable initiative led by 17-year-old Kavin Khanna, a student based in Dubai, is changing that narrative for thousands of children in rural Bihar. Through his project, SkillLeap, Kavin has brought meaningful digital learning to over 2,700 students, equipping them with skills essential for the 21st century.

SkillLeap: From Dubai to Bihar — A Dream Turned Reality

Kavin, who studies social entrepreneurship at Jumeirah College in Dubai, launched SkillLeap in September 2023 in Kaina village, located in Bihar’s Samastipur district. Recognizing that while many rural children have internet access, few have the guidance or resources to use it productively, Kavin sought to create a comprehensive, hands-on digital education platform tailored to their needs.

In partnership with the KCS Foundation, a community-focused non-profit registered with NITI Aayog, SkillLeap has rapidly grown into a lifeline for students from government and low-income private schools.

Building Infrastructure and Curriculum: A Thoughtful Approach

With backing of approximately $10,000 (Rs 8.35 lakh) from international donors, SkillLeap established a digital lab equipped with 20 advanced computers, projectors, printers, webcams, and ergonomic furniture—transforming the learning space into an engaging and student-friendly environment.

Kavin designed the entire curriculum, layering it for different age groups and learning levels. Younger students begin with the basics, including computer fundamentals, internet safety, and Microsoft Office tools. Older learners delve into advanced topics, including programming languages such as Python, HTML, and JavaScript, as well as AI, machine learning, and data analytics.

The curriculum also extends beyond coding, covering digital marketing, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Practical skills, such as budgeting, planning, and content creation, empower students to launch their tech-enabled ventures, ranging from e-commerce platforms to educational blogs.

Active Involvement and Mentorship

Although living in Dubai, Kavin remains closely involved with SkillLeap’s operations. He conducts weekly online classes and, in April 2025, made his first visit to the Samastipur center. Meeting students face-to-face, he witnessed firsthand their enthusiasm and curiosity about technology’s potential to transform lives.

Currently, the program actively engages 390 students—153 girls and 237 boys—from grade 3 through college level. Classes are grouped by age, allowing tailored instruction based on maturity and interests.

Voices of Change: Students Share Their Experiences

The real success of SkillLeap shines through its students:

• Shreyansh, a Class 6 student, shared, “I had never used a computer before. Now I create simple games with block coding. Earlier, I just watched videos online; now I use the internet to learn.”
   
• Keshav, a Class 9 student, explained how SkillLeap provided him with skills beyond his traditional book-based education. “Now I build HTML web pages and explore AI for my studies. It’s opened a whole new world.”
   
• Sanchi, in the 5th grade, dreams of becoming an artist. “Before, I only used YouTube. Now I journal and explore creativity. Coming here with 14 other girls is the best part of my day.”
   

A Vision for Expansion: Beyond Bihar

The joy of seeing real impact fuels Kavin’s passion. “You don’t need a lot of money to be a changemaker. You need vision, commitment, and courage,” he says.

Looking ahead, Kavin hopes to scale SkillLeap beyond Bihar, aiming to collaborate with more organizations and secure government support to expand across India—and eventually worldwide.

KCS Foundation’s Support: Empowering Rural Youth

Suman Jha, Secretary of the KCS Foundation, applauds the initiative’s transformative impact. “In rural Bihar, children lack both access and exposure. SkillLeap is giving them not just tools, but a vision.”

New centers have already opened in Baheri (Darbhanga) and Begusarai, with each batch training 40 students, sharing two computers. Students receive certificates upon completing modules, guided by teachers through video tutorials and hands-on lab work.

Conclusion: Age is No Barrier to Change

Kavin Khanna’s story is a powerful reminder that with vision, empathy, and dedication, even the widest digital divides can be bridged. At just 17, this Dubai-based teen has lit the way for thousands of rural students in Bihar—proving that change is possible when passion meets purpose.

The future of digital education in underserved regions looks brighter, thanks to young leaders like Kavin who dare to dream big and act boldly.

By empowering rural students with digital literacy and future-ready skills, SkillLeap is not only transforming individual lives but also sowing the seeds for a more inclusive, tech-savvy India.