The Power of Design - A Junior Achievement Ireland Programme

'The Power of Design' is a schools' programme developed by Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) in association with Dublin City Council and the Centre for Universal Design (CEUD).

The programme uses a learning-by-doing methodology aims to demonstrate to primary and second level students design’s positive impact on social cultural and economic life. Workshops take place in the classroom and during the programme students:

  • Consider how the world around us is designed
  • Learn about careers in design
  • Become designers

'The Power of Design' is delivered by design volunteers from the working world who are recruited, trained and supported by JAI. The volunteers have relevant experience in a diverse range of areas, including construction, computing, technology, marketing, management consulting, architecture, innovation and finance. JAI provide all workshop materials required and train volunteers at their workplace before they go out to the classroom. Volunteers have the option to facilitate workshops individually or in pairs.

In their work with the volunteer, students consider how the world around us is designed and learn about careers in design, all the while being actively involved in a specially-conceived design challenge.

'The Power of Design' was initiated in 2015 as part of Dublin City Council’s Pivot Dublin submission and more than 3,000 students have participated in Dublin City Council catchment areas. 1,200 students participated in the programme in 2018 and the response from participants and schools has been incredibly positive. In 2019 the programme was rolled out nationwide, with the support of the CEUD, and updated to feature new Universal Design content. 

If you are a Registered Architect and you would like to participate in 'The Power of Design', please contact: communications@riai.ie