Curiosity is foundational to construct knowledge, and innate to children is this curiosity that sparks as a response to uncertainty. Navigating such uncertainty requires innovation and great innovations are anchored by robust application of knowledge. In India, children are no stranger to ‘jugaad’ or quick-fix innovations. However, such ‘jugaad’ can only touch the periphery of innovation that cultivates a mindset of being action-biased. This, when nurtured well in children, can be channelized to solve some of the greatest challenges thwarting equitable and sustainable development. The challenge is structured innovation programs that can fuel this capacity are often labelled as non-essential or exclusive in India.
This paper delves into how innovation can be nurtured by integrating structured interventions into formal curriculum frameworks. Programs that can effectively mobilize existing resources in low-income schools are crucial for this. We propose a model, built on the philosophy that education must equip students to engage with and contribute to the world by giving scope for application of academic learning. This shift requires building sustainable models that allow all students to drive changes in their locus of control.

With this in mind, we developed our flagship program, The Think And Make. This paper explores the pedagogical aspects of building innovation programs and the learnings we had while implementing them in the past four years. The impact we have been able to create so far should help inform further ways to foster the ecosystem of innovation.

Authors:
Tiara Prasad, Inqui-Lab Inventions Foundation, India
Meher Kshatri, Inqui-Lab Inventions Foundation, India

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Tiara is currently working as a Senior Associate Designer in Inqui-Lab Foundation based in Hyderabad, India in the field of innovation, problem solving.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiara-prasad-304694146/

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