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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’.
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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."
