JOIN THE I CAN 2026 CHALLENGE

Every year, Design For Change Northern Ireland (DFC NI) runs the I CAN Challenge inviting youth-led stories of change to be submitted (at no charge) to the global Design For Change movement and to then be considered as country representatives, cultural representatives or attendees at the global Be The Change celebration.

We are inviting youth whose Stories Of Change are submitted to our DFC NI I CAN 2026 Challenge to participate in the following amazing youth leadership opportunities at the Global Be the Change (BTC) Celebration, which is taking place in Greece this year.

The I CAN Journey: From Personal Wellbeing to International Leadership

We offer a comprehensive, six-stage developmental pathway that empowers educators and youth to become catalysts for social good. Guided by the global FIDS framework (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share), our curriculum bridges the gap between personal mental health and large-scale civic engagement.

The journey begins at the Personal level, establishing a foundation of resilience through mindfulness and wellbeing strategies. It then moves into Local action, where teachers (as well as community based and employee volunteers) and students are trained in youth mentorship and design thinking to address issues within their own schools and neighborhoods. Finally, the path ascends to the International arena, providing students and their youth mentors (teachers, community based and employee volunteers) with unique opportunities for global representation, intercultural exchange, and cross-continental solidarity. By participating in this structured evolution, "Eduheroes" (teachers or youth workers) “Voluheroes” (community based or employee volunteers) and “Superheroes” (the children and youth who are empowered) don't just learn about change—they design and lead it.

Stage One: Personal — Foundations of Leadership

MEtime Sessions (12-Month Access) This foundational stage focuses on the wellbeing of the educator and mentor. Through 12 months of access to 2 x 60 min monthly themed classes, participants engage with FIDS-aligned (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share) wellbeing strategies. By cultivating personal resilience and mindfulness, mentors build the internal capacity needed to lead social change effectively.

Stage Two: Local — Youth Mentorship Training

I CAN Catalyst Online Course & Onsite Lab Stage Two shifts the focus to youth mentorship. The Online Course provides an 8-hour, self-paced asynchronous journey into wellbeing-centered coaching, supported by interactive project boards. This is complemented by the Onsite Lab, a full day boot-camp where one teacher, five youth, and an employee volunteer work together to spark local change. I CAN Clinics (12-Month Access) To ensure long-term success, mentors receive year-round support through bi-monthly inspiration sessions. These live Q&A clinics provide a space to refine mentorship strategies and share best practices with a community of peers.

Stage Three: Local — Youth-Led Social Action

I CAN Accelerator Online Course This stage empowers students to take the lead. Educators complete a 6-hour asynchronous module focused on facilitating social action, gaining the tools to manage student-led projects via a dedicated Blend-ed Learning Management System (LMS). I CAN Accelerator Onsite Programme The onsite programme brings the "I CAN" spirit into the classroom. Whether working with a small group or a whole class of up to 30 youth, this programme provides the structure for students to identify community issues and implement real-world solutions through a blended learning approach delivered through 8 x 2 hour on-site sessions.

Stage Four: International — Global Showcase

Be The Change Greece International Conference The annual pinnacle of the DFC journey, this stage sends youth representatives and their mentors to Greece to represent Northern Ireland on the world stage. As part of a global delegation, students present their social action stories, celebrate their impact, and connect with a worldwide movement of young change-makers. This is a 5 day trip with minimum delegate packages comprising 1 adult +1 youth and ranging to include groups of teachers/youth workers/employee volunteers with groups of youth.

Stage Five: International — Representation & Voice

National Student Council This stage formalises youth leadership through national and international representation. Every year we select one Youth Leader to represent each country on the Design For Change Global Student Council connecting via bi-monthly 90 min Zoom sessions over a 12 month period.. Launching in 2026, students from Northern Ireland, South Africa and Sudan join a prestigious council via our online community platform and collaborate to to advocate for youth-led change via bi-monthly 60 min sessions over a 10 month period.

Stage Six: International — Intercultural Solidarity

Virtual Youth Exchange A high-impact, 4-month intercultural exchange that builds deep global connections. This programme brings together groups of teachers, youth, and volunteers from Northern Ireland, South Africa, and Sudan. Through structured peer mentorship, participants engage in a cross-continental dialogue to share cultural perspectives and collaborative solutions to global challenges.