My Wish For 2016 – Australian Kids to say “I CAN” with Design for Change

I’ve known about Design for Change for a while but didn’t experience it. In last 6 months I’m privileged to experience the movement.

Thanks Kiran Sethi, I got involved in the jury process and able to review and judge some incredible stories of change, lead by kids.

The kids are making some amazing difference with this simple framework of FIDS.

First thing, when I got involved with DFC. I noticed below map and as an Aussie felt bit ashamed that we do not have a story of change. I’m sure the kids in Australia are doing incredible things on their own but by utilizing DFC we can do better.

DFC_Australia

Thus my wish for 2016 is to spread I CAN in Australia. Every kid should able to use this simple framework and make difference.

Here is the official letter and request for you to join me in spreading the word. I want you to talk to educators, community organisations, not-for-profit organisations to adopt this framework and make difference.


Dear Friend,

Design for Change (DFC) is the largest global movement of children driving change in their own communities by using a simplified design thinking process of Feel Imagine Do Share (FIDS). Through this framework, children are equipped with the tools to be aware of the world around them, believe that they play a role in shaping that world, and take action toward a more desirable, sustainable future. Today, children in over 30 countries are proving that you don’t have to be rich, strong or powerful to change the world. For more information on DFC and to witness some fantastic stories of change, do log on to www.dfcworld.com.

Children around the world are using this FIDS framework to arrive at simple solutions to very complex problems. From teaching their parents to read, stopping child marriages, cleaning up their neighborhoods and fixing potholes on the street, building safe biking paths – children are proving that they have what it takes to be able to ‘design’ a future that is desired.​

Design for Change: A Champion of Learning through Play

There are 2 ways we have been working with schools and educators from around the world:

a) Design for Change Challenge:

The School Challenge is the perfect way to introduce DFC in schools, with a short-term, high-impact DFC project carried out by the children.

Sharing some of the stories we have received from children around the world:

DFC2012 India: Response-ability

DFC2014 Chile: CANteen for All!

DFC2014 Benin: Fighting Against Forced Marriage

DFC2014 Colombia: Power of Language

DFC2014 Cameroon: Having a Ball!

DFC2014 Denmark: Come As You Are

DFC2013 Israel: Special Ed Children Give Back

DFC2011 India: Just For Kicks

Design for Change youtube channel link: Click here

b) Design for Change Curriculum (for Grade 8):

A year-long immersion, the Design Thinking Guide, seamlessly helps to inculcate in children crucial 21st century skills. It equips them with skills in communication, empathy, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, and most importantly leadership – preparing them for college and a successful professional life while also connecting them with their communities. Have attached samples of the curriculum for your reference.

Design Thinking Guide (DTG) 2014 Pilot Student Feedback

At Design For Change we strongly believe that children inspire children & adults to lead the change. Organized annually the ‘Be The Change’ (BTC) celebrations provides our young super heros from across the world the platform to showcase their stories of change. The celebration honours and recognizes the young agents of change for their courage and determination to change the world around them. The BTC celebration is one that’s ‘of the children, by the children, for the children’.

Click here to watch the celebrations that were held in 2014.

Different countries organize and host silimar such celebrations in their respective countries to honour and recognize children for the change they have brought about in their respective settings.

We would love for your school and students to be part of this movement. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any queries on how to take it to your students.

Look forward to hearing from you. Take care and have a great new year ahead!!!

Best


 

For those geeks like me there is research evidence as well that DFC Framework works.

 

My wishes is that you spread the word in any capacity and help me fulfil my wish.

With this, may you stay blessed in 2016 and all your wishes come true.

Love you all.

Mrugank Patel
mrugank.patel@gmail.com
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