Read our report 'Global Voices of the Next Generation on Food & Climate' here.
Empowering children to design a better world
Our mission is to unleash the creativity of 1 million children, teaching them to become changemakers for a better future.
During a designathon workshop, children learn to design, prototype and present their solutions to the SDGs, and in doing so contribute and co-create a better world.
We are located in the Netherlands and work through a network of partners in 20 countries.
Our annual global event is hosted in 40 cities around the world.
Click here to learn more about our unique method or click below to find out how we work with our communities:
Our impact
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CERTIFIED FACILITATORS
CORONA CHALLENGE IN MEXICO
We are so proud of Mayama, our partner in Mexico! This summer, 150 children from very marginalised groups took part in the Corona Challenge designathons in Guadalajara. And all by phone! Some responses from their mentors: ... I learned to trust children more and their creative power, ... results surprised many of the parents because they learned about many skills that children have, ... [in the workshop] the children used everything they know about the world to create something new. Short video
Our Corona Challenge competition provides a great way to engage children in a problem-solving activity that promotes creative thinking and changemaking skills. Furthermore, it provides children with an opportunity to let their voices be heard!
The challenge is available in Dutch, English, Spanish, Swahili and
Turkish.
It is supported and realised by our global network partners.
YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS AT THE WEF 2020
Anne Sallaerts, Managing Director of Designathon Works, is just back from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and for the first time in its history, WEF emphatically recognized the power of young people as a force for change by giving young voices prominent stage space throughout the event.
Read more in our article on Medium.
DESIGNATHON WORKS AT UN, HLPF
Last week Designathon Works was present for the first time at the UN High Level Political Forum 2019 in New York. An amazing and very interesting experience!
SCIENCE TEACHERS TRAINING IN SHANGHAI
In April, we spent a week in Shanghai, China, conducting workshop with children and a training sessions for 120 science teachers! Just like everywhere else, children there too are concerned about the planet and love creating and making.
Yesterday in Rotterdam, with children from the Nelson Mandela school, we presented a report on the insights and ideas of 164 children to tackle poverty in Rotterdam. Download pdf
CHANGEMAKERS UNITED SUPPORT PROGRAM
Designathon Works is selected to the Changemakers United support program by Ashoka and Zalando, a collective effort to support social innovators at the forefront of the Covid-19 crisis.
DESIGNATHON WORKSHOP AT THE COP 25
"Last week we attended the COP25 Chile in Madrid. Slightly separated from the politicians, and policymakers, we stood in the youth section of the green zone, accompanied by excited visitors that chose to attend our workshop on food and climate action..."
Read more in our blog post.
DESIGNATHON WORKS GOES MEXICO
Designathon method is now official part of the Mayama education model. Their purpose is to transform the lives of children and their families living in high marginalization and violent conditions.
Designathon Works is one of the 29 Expo Live Global Innovators of the World Expo Dubai 2020. In this video we talk about children’s creativity and enthusiasm to build a better future.
GLOBAL VOICES OF THE NEXT GENERATION ON FOOD & CLIMATE
Read our report 'Global Voices of the Next Generation' about children's concerns and solutions to food and climate problems. With over more than 100 solutions designed by children aged 7-12. Download pdf
CHANGEMAKER CHALLENGE JUNIOR
We’ve developed a lesson material for the Dopper Changemaker Challenge Junior. An international competition where children come up with solutions for single-use plastic pollution. The lesson is 2 hours long and has a fun competition element. Register here.
DESIGNATHON VIA SKYPE IN THE CLASSROOM
Every Thursday, from September to November, you can take a 45-minute Designathon class via Skype in the Classroom: "Inspire & Act: how to tackle the causes of deforestation." In collaboration with Our Planet Live.
WINNERS AMSTERDAM DESIGNATHON CHALLENGE ANNOUNCED
Primary students of Montessori school De Regenboog in Amsterdam have designed a new learning concept for the library of tomorrow. The design, which won the final of the Amsterdam Designathon Challenge is included in the plans for OBA NEXT, the new library in Amsterdam Zuidas, which will be opened in 2025.
