As night falls across Longgang district, Shenzhen, community-run night schools are bringing free, accessible upskilling opportunities to residents of all ages, supporting the district's push for AI-driven development.

The program offers more than 300 courses annually, covering all 11 subdistricts and 111 communities. Classes take place after working hours at community centres, industrial parks and youth-focused neighbourhood spaces. Online replays are also available so participants can catch up flexibly.

Curricula blend practical digital skills such as AI short-video production, AI-assisted office work and livestream e-commerce, alongside art, music and wellness sessions.

"Our four-session courses, including script development, video production, voiceover recording and post-production editing, deliver hands-on training. Participants can apply what they learn right away," said lecturer Pan Xingying.

Residents learn AI video production at a night school in Longgang district, Shenzhen.

The initiative has benefited a diverse range of people. Some stay-at-home parents earn side income via AI-generated content while caring for children. A participant with impaired hearing shared that AI-driven creation allowed him to create something of value at a computer without having to engage in physical labor, allowing him to keep pacewith thedigital era.

Beyond skills training, this long-running community programme bridges the digital divide for vulnerable groups and builds a lifelong-learning network for local residents.