SINGAPORE, April 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Now in its fourth year, the Singapore chapter of the Design for Change (DFC) School Challenge for children is open for registrations. Organised in Singapore by the social enterprise SoCh in Action, the latest iteration of the award-winning programme has already attracted more than 70 teams of students across 12 schools. DFC is rolled out as part of SoCh's annual Be the Change Programme that includes student and teacher workshops and a culminating event, Be the Change Exposition 2013 in November.
All components of the programme are designed to empower 8-14 year olds to make a positive change in society. Madhu Verma, Founder of SoCh says, "The interesting thing is that we begin by asking the children what bothers them, and then get them to go out and fix it themselves. By enabling children to take charge of the issues that affect them, we are inculcating a life-long habit where children assume responsibility instead of waiting to be told what to do."
The DFC school challenge starts with a series of educational workshops based on the design-thinking process where students are sensitised to societal issues and learn the process of addressing them. They then work with trained facilitators to find and implement creative ideas that tackle those issues, making real social impact in their community.
Winners of the challenge, chosen by local judging panel, will be announced at Be the Change Exposition, the climax of the annual programme, in November. One team will also represent Singapore in the Global Be the Change Conference held in September in India.
The exposition will also be a fun-filled event with an exciting line-up of interactive games and activities to further inspire children to think and express their views about social challenges. Last year's exposition attracted over 700 attendees from 33 schools and showcased 60 creative projects by local students.
Madhu adds, "We had many wonderful projects last year that addressed improving life of the elderly through product designs, helping autistic adults, respecting cleaners and reducing vandalism in schools. The children not only become aware of the challenges facing the society, but also witness the social impact they can make. They believe that social change is possible and they can drive it through their ideas and action."
SoCh has enjoyed the support of the Central Singapore Community Development Council's Mayor's Imagine Fund for the last two years. Last year, POSB PAssion Kids Fund also supported SoCh's annual Be the Change programme. SoCh hopes that more sponsors will come forward to support the programme and spread the spirit of 'I CAN' amongst children.
"We are delighted to support this initiative," says Mr Tan Chee Hau, General Manager of Central Singapore CDC. "The programme empowers our children to take ownership and be responsible for their community. This is in line with the CDC's belief that our society will be more resilient when everyone chips in."
The DFC programme can be adopted in schools as a project, a Community Involvement Programme, or a Co-Curricular Activity. Registrations are open until 15th April, and more information can be obtained at www.dfcsingapore.com/registration.
The programme is eligible for funding under the Youth Social Entrepreneurship Programme for Schools from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). For more details, click here.
About SoCh in Action
SoCh in Action designs and implements various programs and events for the community to be involved in the social change process. Its belief is that anyone can be a change-maker; through new thoughts, simple beliefs and small actions. For more details visit www.SoChinAction.com
About Design for Change
DESIGN FOR CHANGE is the largest global movement designed to give young people an opportunity to express their own ideas for a better world and put them into action. Using the simple 4 step framework, children across the world are saying 'I CAN' instead of 'Can I'. For more information please visit: www.dfcworld.com.
Newswire Partner: PR Newswire Asia
The Design for Change School Challenge Singapore 2013 organized by SoCh in Action is supported by PR Newswire as the official newswire partner.
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Media Contacts
Rice Communications for SoCh in Action
Amala Naravane / Susu Ho
+65 6221 8729
SoCh@ricecomms.com
