BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- China has launched a public welfare program to promote hip-hop dance in schools in impoverished areas in hopes that it can boost students' fitness and self-confidence.

The national program was jointly sponsored by the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League and the China Dancers Association.

Apart from teaching hip-hop, the program will also provide curriculum counseling and collect donations for the students.

"Hip-hop embodies a never-say-die spirit and can help children feel inspired to chase their dreams," said Xia Rui, secretary-general of the street dance committee with China Dancers Association.

Hip-hop is a fun activity for young Chinese and can bring excitement and inspiration to children in remote areas, he added.

In 2018, the hip-hop public welfare classroom program covered 617 schools in 164 cities in 26 provincial regions, benefiting nearly 150,000 teenagers.

It is expected to reach 2,000 schools in less developed areas in 300 cities in 30 provincial regions this year to enable nearly 400,000 young people to feel the charm of hip-hop.