Episode 15: Student-Centered Innovation

Join two of our HS student interns, Hunter Kuchenbaur and Xan Maddock-Mark at Barrington RI High School, talk with Sanjli Gidwaney, Director of Design for Change USA, and  two amazing youth, Minnah from Raleigh NC and Daniel from NYC, about how Design for Change has created an opportunity for them to make a real difference in the world – and in doing so, come to feel empowered as change agents and learners in the world.  Minnah, for example, shares how she and her fellow students obtained, cleaned, and furnished an apartment for a Syrian refugee family in her hometown of Raleigh, in addition to raising $2,500 for their purchase of a car.  Later, they worked on the reconciliation of George Taylor, a prominent figure who was lynched in 1819, which eventually led to her meeting the Pope in Rome.  (How about that?).  And Daniel, who led a “hand washing” campaign at his school to combat the spread of germs which then also led them to Taiwan and eventually Rome to share and discuss their projects.  In the end, Minnah says “This education system doesn’t teach you as much as it should about the real world.”  Later, Minnah, Daniel, Hunter, Xan, and Sanjli share how THEY would design their K-12 school.  All say MORE authentic, personal connections to and work in real-world so that they can “discover themselves,” "explore what they can do," and “find the things that they love.”  Our two wonderful student interns share their thoughts on the need to transform education for student agency and possibility.  And Chris, as usual, shares his.  Doesn’t get much better than that, no?  Take a listen now!  And check out Design for Change!

About The Revolutionaries 
Sanjli Gidwaney
Design for Change Students