Empowering Children to Lead Change

Design for Change Zambia empowers children and young people to identify challenges in their schools and communities, design solutions, take action, and share their stories of change.

Through a learner-centred methodology, Design for Change Zambia nurtures the I can mindset, enabling children to grow into confident, empathetic, and responsible citizens.

Design for Change Zambia operates across all 10 provinces of Zambia, working within the education system and alongside communities to ensure children’s voices are heard, valued, and supported.

HOW CAN WE DO IT?

Powered by the principles of design thinking, Design for Change offers a simple 4 step framework FIDS (Feel-Imagine-Do-Share) - to unleash the I CAN superpower in every child.

Using this framework, children are encouraged to 'FEEL' (observe and identify any situation that bothers them), 'IMAGINE' (brainstorm a way to make it better), 'DO' (work in teams to implement their solution) and finally, 'SHARE' (their solution of change with the world) to inspire others to say, 'I CAN'!

GET INSPIRED BY OUR DFC ZAMBIA STORIES

Simple Electricity Generator (GARNETON SECONDARY SCHOOL)

GARNETON COMBINED SCHOOL
SIMPLE SCHOOL BAGS

Riverside Extension Primary School
SIMPLE ELECTRIC CAR (WIVS INVENTIONS)

GARNETON COMBINED SCHOOL
My sister's Keeper (ZAMBIA)
I CAN SONG
JOB CREATION

MACHONA SECONDARY SCHOOL
IMPROVISATION OF TRASH BINS

NDEKE SECONDARY SCHOOL
IMPROVISED TEACHING AIDS

IPUSUKILO PRIMARY SCHOOL
PLASTIC RECYCLING

HELLEN KAUNDA SECONDARY SCHOOL
FIGHT AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

MACHONA SECONDARY SCHOOL
SIMPLE INCUBATOR

GARNETON COMBINED SCHOOL
IMPROVISATION OF BROOMS

BUPE PRIMARY SCHOOL
ENDING DRUG ABUSE

Mindolo Secondary School
Making bricks from chicken droppings

Parklands Secondary School
Simple gas stove

Mindolo Secondary School
Survival Skills

Riverain Combined School

TAKE IT TO YOUR CLASSROOM

You can empower student leaders in your classroom by using the 4-step FIDS process

1 week toolkit

The all inclusive and flexible challenge is the quickest way to unleash the 'I CAN' superpower in children. Download the toolkit and the one week support plan below and get started!
DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT AND LESSON PLAN
1 MONTH TOOLKIT

The month long curriculum enables students to work with one another, to collaborate and to engage deeply, identify the real issues and concerns. The curriculum comes with a month long support plan, download and get started.
DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT & LESSON PLAN

DFC ZAMBIA UPDATES/EVENTS

Design for Change Zambia National Summit 2025

Congratulations to the schools that will be representing the 10 provinces of Zambia🥰🤗💪
Be The Change 2025 Preparations

Japan is ready for us!!!! To be part of this exciting experience, submit your project via the link provided through the Provincial Education Officers, departments of SEO-GA!
Radio Station Features

In view of supplementing the Government's effort on quality education delivery, Design For Change Zambia features on 3 Radio stations of the Copperbelt (Flava Radio & TV, Yar FM and Radio Icengelo) aimed at promoting quality education using the FIDS process.
National Television Appearance

Representing Design For Change courtesy of Endesha Zambia as we discussed pertinent issues concerning Education in Zambia. Thanks to the National Broadcaster ZNBC Kitwe for hosting us on the Reaction Program.
A historic day for Design for Change in Zambia

The first ever National Summit was resounding success, celebrating over 45 stories of change from schools across the nation. we were honored to have the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Education, Senior Government Officials and our amazing sponsor Opermin Zambia Limited. Together we are empowering children to shape their futures and create a better Zambia!
Planning meeting with Solwezi Teachers

You’re very much welcome! We can’t wait to see you inculcate the “I can” mindset in our students!
Design for Change Swedish visit to Zambia

We are excited to share highlights from our Swedish Design for Change delegation's recent visit to Zambia! We have collaborated on an exchange program focused on global goals and human rights. This visit enabled them to see firsthand how Zambian schools are implementing Design for Change skills and exploring ways to integrate entrepreneurial skills..
Design for Change Swedish visit to Zambia

On their first day in Zambia, the Design for Change Swedish delegation experienced a highly productive day, observing students at Wusakile and Chimwemwe Secondary Schools, leverage design thinking to drive positive impact.
Welcoming MCM Schools on board

Welcoming Mufulira Mopani Cooper Mines Schools on board. You're welcome to our global family!!
DFC - BE THE CHANGE 2024 GLOBAL SUMMIT, DUBAI, UAE

The "Be the Change" Celebration highlighted - student agency with 400 participants from 39 countries presenting innovative solution to challenges. Warmest congratulations to the two National award-winning schools; Machona Combined School (Kitwe District) and Kyantobo Primary School (Solwezi District). Your Excellent representation at the Be the Change Global Summit 2024 is highly appreciated
Design for Change Zambia visits Design for Change Sweden in Vellinge (April 2025)

Inspiring innovation in education! it was an incredible experience visiting our Design for Change partners in Sweden, where we learned about their innovative approaches to empowering children to drive positive change. Using the 'Feel, Imagine, Do, and Share' framework, students are leveraging technology, social sciences, languages, and design thinking to develop entrepreneurial skills and create impactful projects. We're excited to bring back these insights and inspiration to our own work, empowering the next generation of change-makers!