– Haripriya, Writer/ Editor/ Researcher / Change Maker

From Designer to Educator: An Inspiring Journey of Transformation

Kiran Bir Sethi’s journey from designer to educator is a compelling narrative of transforming creativity into impactful education. Her story is one of passion, innovation, and a relentless drive to empower children. Initially a designer, Kiran’s path changed when she applied her design thinking principles to education, establishing the Riverside School in Ahmedabad in 2001. The school was envisioned as a laboratory for educational innovation, focusing on a student-centric, flexible, and empathetic learning environment.

The “I CAN” Mindset and FIDS Model

At the heart of Riverside’s philosophy is the “I CAN” mindset, which instills in children the belief that they can make a difference. This mindset is operationalized through the FIDS model: Feel, Imagine, Do, Share. This simple yet powerful framework encourages students to engage deeply with issues, conceive solutions, take action, and share their experiences to inspire others. Designed to be Replicable and Scalable, the FIDS model ensures that other schools can adopt and adapt Riverside’s approach to amplify their impact. Through this model, Riverside aims to make the world a little more just, equitable, and beautiful for children, by enabling them to make a difference in the world.

Empowering Choices and Experiential Learning

Education at Riverside goes beyond academics; it’s about nurturing informed, empowered, and empathetic individuals. Experiential learning is a cornerstone of Riverside’s curriculum. The school’s approach revolves around the FIDS model, enabling children to feel deeply about societal challenges. For instance, by making incense sticks for about 8 hours in a simulated factory environment, children understand what child labor feels like. This immersive experience builds empathy and gratitude, highlighting the importance of education and the value of their own lives. Such activities are designed to instill a sense of agency and responsibility, driving students to make positive changes in their communities and shaping them into responsible citizens.

The curriculum at Riverside is grounded in strong values: Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Elevation and Evolution. These values underpin the school’s mission to cultivate the ‘I CAN Mindset’, which enables children to be aware of the world around them, be enabled with the skills and knowledge, and empowered to design a more just and equitable future. Essentially, this reinforces KNOWLEDGE, EMPATHY, and LEADERSHIP. Through hands-on activities, students internalize these values, understanding their responsibility to contribute positively to society. Actively involved in projects that address societal issues, they develop a deeper understanding and are motivated to take action. Whether it’s campaigning against child labor, promoting literacy, or advocating for environmental sustainability, Riverside students are empowered to be proactive and fearless in their pursuit of change.

A National Movement for Change

Riverside’s mission to be the best school for the world, not just in the world, has led to significant achievements. The school and its affiliate organizations (Design for Change) have earned recognition from prestigious organizations, including the LEGO Foundation, Fetzer Institute, Rockefeller Foundation, Ashoka Changemaker Schools, and the Global Teacher Prize. These accolades affirm the effectiveness and scalability of Riverside’s educational model.

The impact of Riverside’s approach extends far beyond its immediate community, reaching government and municipal schools across India. This initiative spreads the “I CAN” mindset, empowering children nationwide to believe in their ability and drive societal change. One of Riverside’s most notable achievements is transforming Ahmedabad into India’s first child-friendly city. Through various projects, children have influenced urban planning to include child-friendly amenities, demonstrating the power of young minds to effect meaningful change.

For 13 consecutive years, Riverside has ranked among the top 10 schools in India (Source: Times Now). Designated as a Changemaker School by the Ashoka Foundation, Riverside is recognized for its groundbreaking approach to education, blending academic excellence with character development. Kiran Bir Sethi’s book, “Every Child Can,” encapsulates her educational philosophy, emphasizing agency, character, and the “I CAN” mindset. At the core of the educational model is a strong cultural ethos that drives change.

Extending the Mission: A Vision for Nationwide Change

The transformative power of Riverside’s approach extends beyond empowering children. Enthused by the significant transformation of having empowered about 100,000 children, Kiran now extends her mission to touch the lives of about 200 million children in India.

“If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” she says with a lot of enthusiasm.

By spreading this educational revolution to adults, the zeal and contagion of the “I CAN” mindset can be further amplified. Adults can also carry the baton forward, applying the principles of empathy, innovation and proactive problem-solving in their own lives and beyond. This widespread adoption of the changemaker mindset among adults, inspired by the initiative of over 100,000 children, can lead to a significant milestone for the nation as a whole.

Kiran Bir Sethi’s vision for Riverside School demonstrates the profound impact of empowering children through innovative education. Her work exemplifies the potential of education to shape a better, more equitable, and beautiful world. This mission to spread the “I CAN” mindset across the nation promises to unleash a wave of positive change, nurturing a generation of confident and proactive change makers. Such holistic change will foster a culture where everyone believes in their ability to make a difference. This will have a transformative impact on the society, where empathy, responsibility, ethics, innovation, and proactive change are at the forefront of everyday life!   

Also read: Leaders who can revive Indian Education – Kiran Bir Sethi