Future first: Dubai teen revolutionizes science education for rural India through virtual labs

At just 16, Jumeirah College student Riya Cornel empowers more than 1,350 underprivileged students in Bihar through her virtual science laboratory project Future First, in collaboration with KCS Foundation India, advancing the mission of UNESCO’s SDG 4 – Quality Education.

In a region where access to science labs has long been out of reach for many, a young changemaker from Dubai is transforming the way rural students learn, experiment, and dream.

Riya Cornel, a 16-year-old Year 12 student at Jumeirah College Dubai, launched her pioneering project “Future First”in February 2024 in partnership with KCS Foundation India. Her vision: to bridge the science education gap between rural and urban learners through technology and virtual learning.

Riya established a Virtual Composite Laboratory with 20 fully equipped computers in the Begusarai district of Bihar, giving students the chance to conduct virtual experiments in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. What sets her initiative apart is its holistic structure — she not only teaches but also builds the capacity of the local educators who will sustain the project.

Before classes begin, Riya designs detailed science presentation slides and simulation-based experiments, and conducts structured training sessions for local teachers to ensure they can guide students confidently. Every Saturday, she connects live from Dubai to teach students directly, answer questions, and review progress.

“I wanted every child to experience the excitement of discovery,” says Riya Cornel. “Science should not be limited by geography or resources — every student deserves the chance to explore.”

Riya Cornel helps a student with computer skills in Begusarai district of Bihar.

Since inception, Future First has reached 1,350 students from government schools in Begusarai. Encouraged by its success, Riya has partnered with schools in other districts of rural Bihar and has already trained 22 local instructors who are now delivering science lessons using her digital modules.

A fundraising campaign is currently underway to establish additional virtual labs in Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, and Madhubani districts of Bihar India. With strong community and institutional support, Riya is confident that more labs will be operational by early 2026, giving hundreds of new students hands-on access to scientific exploration.

Recognized for Global Impact

Her dedication earned her the prestigious Young Changemakers – Youth Empowerment & Service (YES) Award 2025, honoring her exceptional contribution to education and community development.

“Riya’s Future First is a beacon of hope that blends innovation with compassion,” says Dr. Pankaj Jha, Founder of KCS Foundation India. “Her initiative perfectly mirrors SDG 4 by empowering both students and teachers. She’s not just building labs — she’s building leaders in rural classrooms.”

About KCS Foundation India

KCS Foundation India, founded by Dr. Pankaj Jha, is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering rural communities through education, digital literacy, women Empowerment and youth leadership. Since its establishment in 2019, the Foundation has supported dozens of student-led initiatives— that collectively serve thousands of underprivileged students across India. Its mission is to nurture young changemakers who use innovation and empathy to create lasting social impact.

Voices of Transformation

“I used to imagine experiments only from pictures,” says Pooja Mishra, Grade 9. “Now I can see real reactions and understand them. It’s exciting to learn this way.”

“Earlier, science was just reading,” adds Rohit Paswan, another student. “Now I can do experiments myself. I want to become a science teacher one day.”

Through Future First, Riya Cornel is proving that one student’s vision can rewrite the story of rural education. By combining technology, mentorship, and compassion, she is bringing science to life — and inspiring a new generation of learners to dream beyond boundaries.

As Dr. Jha concludes, “Projects like Future First show that real change begins when young people lead with purpose, passion, and persistence.”