About Design for change india
Design for Change India: Empowering Children to Drive Positive Change in Their Communities
Design for Change is a global movement that empowers children to become agents of change in their communities. The organization was founded in India in 2009 by Kiran Bir Sethi, an educator and social entrepreneur who wanted to create a platform for children to express their ideas and take action on issues that matter to them.
Design for Change India has since grown into the largest chapter of the movement, with over 35,000 schools and 2.5 million children participating across the country. The organization's mission is simple yet powerful: to unleash the "I CAN" superpower within every child and inspire them to make a positive impact on their world.
At its core, Design for Change is about empowering children with agency and voice. The organization provides a framework called the Design Thinking Process, which guides students through four stages of problem-solving: Feel, Imagine, Do, Share. This process encourages students to identify issues they care about (Feel), brainstorm creative solutions (Imagine), take action on those solutions (Do), and share their successes with others (Share).
The Design Thinking Process is not just about solving problems; it's also about fostering empathy, creativity, collaboration, and leadership skills among young people. By giving students ownership over their own learning and encouraging them to work together towards common goals, Design for Change helps build a generation of changemakers who are equipped with the skills they need to tackle complex challenges.
One of the unique aspects of Design for Change India is its emphasis on local context. Rather than imposing preconceived notions or solutions onto communities from above, the organization encourages students to engage deeply with their own cultural contexts and find solutions that are relevant and meaningful within those contexts.
For example, one group of students from rural Maharashtra identified access to clean water as a major issue facing their community. Rather than simply advocating for more government funding or infrastructure, the students decided to take matters into their own hands by building a low-cost water filtration system using locally available materials. The project not only provided clean water for the community but also empowered the students with a sense of agency and pride in their ability to make a difference.
Design for Change India has also been recognized for its impact on education more broadly. The organization's approach to student-centered learning and experiential education aligns with many of the principles of 21st-century learning, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. By integrating these skills into its curriculum, Design for Change is helping prepare young people for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
In addition to its work with schools and students, Design for Change India also partners with other organizations and stakeholders to promote social innovation more broadly. For example, the organization has collaborated with government agencies on initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save Girl Child Educate Girl Child). These partnerships help amplify the voices of young people within larger policy discussions while also providing opportunities for them to engage directly in social change efforts.
Overall, Design for Change India is a powerful example of how empowering children can lead to positive change at both local and global levels. By giving young people agency over their own learning and encouraging them to take action on issues they care about, Design for Change is building a generation of changemakers who are equipped with the skills they need to create a better world.