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The Design for Giving Contest was India's largest social change contest for schoolchildren. An international jury panel met to select 100 winning entries from more than 1,300 moving stories of change from around India.

This was the official website for this 2009 contest.
Content is from the site's 2009 archived pages.

Kiran Bir Sethi is a designer who became a teacher, a principal who grew into an education reformer, an advocate who morphed into a social entrepreneur. A trained graphic designer, she comfortably uses the language of design — iteration, prototype, design specs — to develop not only curriculum innovation, but also community-based social programs.

In 2009, Kiran Bir Sethi conceptualized and promoted India’s largest design contest for schools, where more than 100,000 children participated in designing solutions for some of India’s most challenging problems. In 2010, the initiative known now as “The Design for Change” contest has reached 22 countries and over 250,000 children are designing and implementing solutions in the areas of education, environment, child labor, urban planning, among others.

“The Design for Change” contest mission is to empower children, parents, and teachers around the world to be ‘agents of change’; and collaborate to design solutions for a better future by understanding the power of two words: ‘I Can’.

 

 

 

 
FAQ FOR KIDS
1. My school is not participating in the Design for Giving Contest what can we do as children?
You can take on the initiative by yourself, as an individual or as a group.
2. Can I get my school to participate in the Design for Giving Contest ?
Of course! The whole point of this initiative is to involve as many schools across India for one purpose. Since we can’t reach every school in India, you can help us by spreading the word.
3. Will you give me promotional material to put up on the notice board?
All our material is downloadable off this website. Which consists of the toolkit which contains promotional items such as posters.
4. How much time do I need to spend when I participate? 
Minimum one week.
5. What are the various ways in which a child can participate in the Design for Giving Contest?
Do simple acts of kindness like helping an old person cross the road; or donate a toy to the next child you see on the street. You can organize a drive with other children in your area to clean up your society or a nearby park.

You can request your school authorities to help fix one day of the Week between Sept 27-Oct 3 as the Bake/Cook Sale Day. Each of you then makes and carries home-made snacks or cakes to be sold in the school, and the money raised through this sale can be donated to a charity selected by you or your school. In the end, anything is valid as long as the act of ‘Giving’ continues.

Kindness also counts - based on a dog bed product she found online at goodnightdog.com Roni Amar designed a comfortable round dog bed for a stray dog who hangs out in her neighborhood. This inspired her classmates to create bird feeders, and shelters for some of the feral cats that keep the area free of rats.
6. Where can we give books we have collected?
To anyone who you feel needs it
7. Where can we give toys we have collected?
To anyone who you feel needs it
8. I have collected money from doing odd jobs for people in my area where can I donate this?
To anyone who you feel needs it
9. Where can I send my story to be put on the website?
You can email us
10. I would like to add ideas for other kids to implement how can I do this?
You could invite them to join you to make that idea more efficient
11. Can a group of friends from different schools participate in the Design Challenge?
Of course, but keep in mind that you will not be affiliated with a school when you enter. Which renders you unable to win any prizes 
12. I want to help create awareness about eye donation how do I do it?
In order to execute a step by step process to complete your idea, Refer to the Toolkit
13. My school wants to invite an NGO, how do I find one?
You could go to the ‘Give India’ homepage and select an NGO to contact.

Additional Questions:

   
1. Why the need for such an event?
Why not? We are trying to help children realize that they can ‘be the change’! and therefore, change the perception that they are helpless and do not matter – by giving them the power to change India.
2. Who are the people behind the event?
In collaboration with JGW, Riverside School, Ahmedabad, is the school that is heading the implementation of the Design of Giving Contest. In addition, our sponsors are contributing to the financial and promotional aspects of this event. 
3. When will the event be held?
Click here for timeline
4. Who can participate in the events?
Anyone – students in school, students outside school, and people all across India. This contest is geared primarily towards students from grades 6-8 to show that children can “be the change” they want to see.
5. What are formalities to be completed as part of the registration process?
Refer to toolkit
6. Where will these events be held?
All across India – we plan to sign on over 30,000 schools and 100,000 students all over the country.
7. Are there are any prizes or certificates that will be given out?
click here for detail
8. How do I get my school to participate in the event?
Approach your principal or head of school, if they haven’t already registered. Log on to the website, download the toolkit or request it to be sent to you (if it already hasn’t been sent to your school)
9.. Are there any registration fees?
No, there are no registration fees or any fees from JGW of any kind.
10. Would there by any penalties for registering but not participating?
No, but if you register, please do so once you intend to participate.
11. After registering do we need to send a draft plan to the organisers?
No draft plan is required.
12. Who will be the contact person from the school?
For Riverside, the main contact persons are 
Parul 09879475569 
Priyanka 09737672867
Prutha 09712616125 
Email:schooldesignchallenge@gmail.com 
For your own school, contact your principal or head of school for further information
 

 



 

More Background on The Design for Giving Contest

The Design for Giving Contest, originally conceptualized in 2009 by Kiran Bir Sethi, was India’s largest social change contest for schoolchildren, designed to empower young minds to become agents of change. This initiative, which later evolved into the global "Design for Change" movement, aimed to instill a sense of social responsibility in children by encouraging them to design and implement solutions for real-world problems, ranging from environmental issues to education and urban planning.

History and Evolution

The contest began as a national effort in India, drawing over 100,000 participants from across the country. The idea was simple yet profound: children, who often feel powerless to effect change, were given the tools and the platform to realize that they can indeed make a difference. The contest’s success in India inspired its expansion to over 22 countries by 2010, engaging more than 250,000 children globally.

Kiran Bir Sethi, a trained graphic designer turned education reformer, utilized her background in design thinking to craft a contest that was not only educational but also transformative. By fostering creativity and problem-solving skills, the contest helped children and their communities address pressing local challenges.

Cultural and Social Significance

The significance of the Design for Giving Contest extends beyond its educational value. It served as a pioneering example of how design thinking can be applied to social issues, and it has left a lasting impact on the communities involved. The contest encouraged a culture of empathy, collaboration, and innovation among the youth, which in turn influenced their families and localities. This ripple effect of positive change underscores the cultural and social importance of the contest.

The contest also highlighted the role of children as active participants in society, challenging the traditional view that only adults can drive social change. By shifting this narrative, the contest has had a profound impact on the way children are perceived in the context of community development.

Media Coverage and Public Reception

Media coverage of the Design for Giving Contest played a crucial role in its success. The contest was prominently featured in Indian national media, which helped in garnering widespread attention and participation. The media not only covered the event but also highlighted the stories of the participants, showcasing the impact these young changemakers had on their communities. This media attention was instrumental in driving the contest’s expansion to other countries.

Social media also played a significant role in spreading the contest's message. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter were used to share stories of change, engage participants, and inspire others to join the movement. The contest’s presence on social media helped it reach a global audience, further amplifying its impact.

Audience and Participation

The primary audience for the Design for Giving Contest was schoolchildren, particularly those in grades 6 to 8. However, the contest was open to anyone interested in making a difference, which led to diverse participation from various age groups and backgrounds. The contest encouraged both individual and group participation, allowing children to work alone or collaborate with their peers, schools, or community organizations.

The inclusive nature of the contest, coupled with its broad reach, made it accessible to a wide range of participants. This inclusivity was key to its success, as it allowed children from different socioeconomic backgrounds to contribute to and benefit from the contest.

Impact and Legacy

The legacy of the Design for Giving Contest lies in its ability to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers. The contest demonstrated that children, when given the right tools and encouragement, can tackle complex social issues with creativity and determination. Many of the participants have continued to engage in social change activities long after the contest ended, and the principles of the contest have been integrated into educational programs around the world.

The contest also laid the groundwork for the larger Design for Change movement, which continues to thrive today. This movement has expanded the contest’s original mission, offering a global platform for children to share their stories of change and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

 

The Design for Giving Contest was not just a competition; it was a movement that redefined the role of children in social change. Through its innovative approach and widespread impact, it has left an indelible mark on the communities it touched and continues to inspire young people around the world to believe in the power of "I Can."

 

DesignForGivingContest.com