Design Club CIC was founded to engage children in design thinking to grow empathy. The CIC provides learning materials and is growing a peer support network of volunteer mentors to deliver workshops to kids ages 9–14.

Early testing of Design club collaborating with CoderDojo showed great interest from the design community to mentor with kids. The organisation however did not have capacity to manage volunteers, limiting its ability to scale. There was also limited content to deliver beyond the prototype 'design an app' project.

To work with the growing network of volunteers to design a sustainable way to deliver workshops to kids, and provide an attractive and supportive volunteer offer. To create an ongoing learner journey 'curriculum' with supporting materials.

As Development Lead I drew on my experience in volunteering and education to advise on curriculum, volunteer management and contribute to overall strategic direction. I played a hands on role in co-designing and training.

Service Design

• Research and proposals for partnership and financial models for scaling

Content Design

• Research and development design thinking curriculum
  
• Design and testing of workshop plans

Co-design

• Co-design with volunteer mentors to design the onboarding journey
  
• Co-designed and tested training and guidance for volunteer mentors
  

Training
I also planned and delivered a four day mentor training to professionals from cultural centres in the Balkans through the British Council. This covered the basics of design thinking, facilitation techniques and how to work with children.