WHAT IS DESIGN FOR CHANGE
Design for Change is the largest movement of change - by and for children. The movement is spearheaded by a global network of passionate community leaders, social entrepreneurs, designers and educators who are committed to nurturing the I CAN belief in all children. Using our simple and proven framework of 'Feel, Imagine, Do, Share' ( FIDS ), children around the world are empowered with the skills to design a more desirable and sustainable future - Today!
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A Message from the Founder
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What is Design For Change
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Impact of FIDS According to Harvard
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What is your superpower?
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Dr. Howard Gardner on Design for Change
The FIDS Framework
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)
'SHARE' (their solution of change with the world) to inspire others to say, 'I CAN'!
FEATURED STORIES OF CHANGE
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The Greenlist
The Greenlist helps us manage waste better by teaching us how to care for the environment and change our habits.
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STEM Vibes
We created a fun app with games, notes, and videos to make learning STEM subjects easier and more exciting for students.
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Soil Detector Sensor & DIY Organic Fertilizer
SK Raja Bahar team fixed dying flowers by creating a soil detector, making organic fertilizer, and spreading awareness about littering.
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Boxes to Beds
Our project helps quarantine centers by repurposing cardboard boxes as beds, ensuring sufficient resources for people in quarantine.
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The Kindness Project: Exclusively Inclusive
SK Desa Cempaka team bridges the gap between mainstream and special needs students through activities fostering understanding and empathy.
OUR ACTIVITIES
Our activities are crafted to foster an empowering "I CAN" mindset among children and teachers. Join us on this exciting journey as we connect, inspire, and enable young minds to embrace their potential and shape a brighter future together. Let's dream, create, and achieve as one!
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I CAN Workshops
Our I CAN FIDS workshops are designed for children and educators to test and better understand the DFC FIDS methodology, and how to incorporate it into their classroom. We offer both in person and virtual workshop session. The workshop will help teams to effectively develop ideas & implement solutions for their daily lives, schools and communities.
Register Your Interest -
I CAN Schools Challenge
An annual online global platform for students to share about their impact projects (Stories of Change). Stories of Change must be developed using the simplified design thinking methodology of Feel-Imagine-Do-Share (FIDS). The Challenge aims to develop impact-driven, values-focused, socially-conscious, self-confident and globally-competent Malaysian students. Top teams from the National I CAN Schools Challenge will be selected to represent Malaysia at the annual Be The Change Summit or triennial ICAN Children’s Global Summit.
Learn More -
Global Be The Change Celebrations
Organized annually, the ‘Be The Change’ (BTC) celebration provides our young superheroes from across the world a platform to showcase their stories of change. The celebration honors and recognises these young agents of change for their courage and determination to change the world around them. Be The Change 2026 will be hosted in Athens, Greece on 26 November till 29 November 2026, and will welcome over 300+ students and educators from around the world.
Learn More -
MY x Change
The MY x Change (Malaysian Youth x Change) is a monthly dialogue series led by Children, for All. Topics covered will include: Child Rights, the Environment and other issues that children FEEL deeply about. At the core of this program is inspiring children and empowering them through 10-15 minute rapid interviews (bite-sized conversations). In these interviews, children publicly speak to adults who are experienced in their respective fields and peers about what matters to them, in SAFE ONLINE spaces.
Watch Past Episodes -
Majalah Didik Docu-Series
In an effort to amplify the reach of our education initiatives, we developed and produced a 26 episode edu-reality documentary series showcasing stories of change/impact projects from Design For Change I CAN Schools Challenge. Each episode captured and followed the learning journeys of select school projects and stories.This opportunity was a collaboration together with the Ministry of Education Malaysia and Malaysia’s largest media and entertainment company, Media Prima Berhad (NTV7).
Watch Episode Here
TESTIMONIALS
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“...I learnt that creativity has no limits. Working together as a team flourish our creativity to meet our theme and topic. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. Small acts make a bigger impact. That's what I'm proud of with our topic. I develop good rapport with my teammates and my teachers throughout this program...”
Hannah 9 year old student from SK Rantau Petronas, Terengganu
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“..When students are involved in I CAN CHALLENGE activity, my students interact with others, which means meeting new people, developing social skills, and being a part of a community which helps to produce empathetic citizen, gives students the opportunity to explore different cultures and prepare to live, work, and thrive in a vibrantly diverse world -a real boost to self-esteem.”
Komathy Veerasinghan Mentor teacher - SMJK Ave Maria Convent, Perak
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"..I have learned how to be independent and work together as a team…"
Sharifah 12 year old student from SK Kubang Kerian 3, Kelantan
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“...Based on my personal experience, this program is such a great platform for us to know that there are many students going through difficult times. This kind of attitude helps us to be more caring and enables us to build a great relationship between students and at the same time it boosted my confidence level because we tend to be brave when we help other people...”
Adam 17 year old student from SK Jalan Tiga, Selangor
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“...I really think the FIDS methodology adopted in the I CAN School Challenge is a great way to learn. Not only are the steps of Feel, Imagine, Do and Share applicable to the classroom, they’re also helpful in solving real world problems. I’m both proud and touched that these young students were ready to take on an issue (that may seem daunting to others!) of bridging the gap between mainstream pupils and those with special needs and abilities. From this, our team was able to move forward by encouraging each other and prioritizing activities that could be carried out...”
Myzatul Sarah Binti Yusof MENTOR TEACHER - SK TAMAN DESA, NEGERI SEMBILAN
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"...Taking part in the ICAN schools challenge made me realize the impact young people are able to make, given the right goals, resources and support. It was an eye opening experience and I value everything that it taught me..."
Jaena 17 year old student from Prince of Wales Island International School, Penang
TAKE IT TO YOUR CLASSROOM
You can empower student leaders in your classroom by using the 4-step FIDS process in
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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 & LESSONPLAN -
DFC - 1 MONTH: THE CURRICULUM
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 & LESSONPLAN
IN THE NEWS
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PERSADA-SUARA DESA BERGEMA DI ITALI| TV1
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Taman Mini Tingkat Kesedaran Pelajar tentang Kepentingan Herba| Astro Awani
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Lead the Change | New Straits Times
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Young students with innovative solutions to represent Malaysia at global education summit in Rome| New Strait Times
PUBLICATIONS
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WORKING FOR A LIVING
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WINGS OF CHANGE
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FRIEND IN NEED
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THE OPEN WELL
The Team
We are a committed core team of experts and leaders in education, wellbeing, youth empowerment, impact development, startup and innovation management. Our project team includes diverse individuals who bring decades of experience and subject-matter knowledge in designing, coordinating and managing high-impact events and convenings. We are ready to scale the I CAN movement across Malaysia.
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Shariha Khanam Khalid
Shariha Khanam Khalid
Founder
Shariha is a medical doctor (surgeon), social entrepreneur, impact advisor and investor with 20 years experience in roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors around the world. Shariha is co-founder of Impact Hub KL, Founding Trustee, KLBRTF World and Founding Partner of Mission & Co.
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Ralph Mpofu
Ralph Mpofu
Partnerships Architect
Ralph is a catalyst for impact and sustainable development, driven by a purpose to create positive change. With over 15 years of experience in the social impact, sustainability, and startup ecosystems across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, he has played a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and managing high-impact initiatives,strategic partnerships, and building inclusive, resilient communities.
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Lauannah Maningo (Wannie)
Lauannah Maningo (Wannie)
Experience and Learning Designer
Wanny designs inclusive and engaging learning experiences, materials, and spaces that help people connect, understand, and drive change. With a background in project management, facilitation, and instructional design, she turns complex ideas into clear, practical experiences. Her work spans the full program cycle, from supporting needs assessments and co-creating content to facilitating workshops and providing post-session support.
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Khalilul Rahman
Khalilul Rahman
Impact Labs Steward
Khal is a community sports advocate, writer, and programme facilitator. He is the founder of Padangbolasepak.com and has been actively involved in grassroots sports development, community engagement, and storytelling for over a decade. His work sits at the intersection of sports, culture, youth, and community-building, and he regularly collaborates with civil society organisations, public institutions, and creative spaces locally and internationally.
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Fay Ong
Fay Ong
Project Coordinator
Fay drives impact by connecting people, programmes, and opportunities that move ideas from strategy to action. With a background in project management and experience in the education sector, her work spans the full programme cycle, from innovation scouting and outreach to workshop coordination, ensuring that innovators and change makers are identified, supported, and connected to the platforms they deserve.
Contact Us
To learn more about Design For Change Malaysia, contact our local country team at collaborate@klbrtf.world,
for CSR and Partnerships opportunities contact our Partnerships Architect Ralph Mpofu at ralph@klbrtf.world.
