About the opportunity
Lead the Change. Be the Change.
Are you ready to stop waiting for the future and start leading today?
Do you want to solve a problem in your community, help your friends feel better, or make your school a kinder place? Join the global Design for Change (DFC) movement—a UN-recognised community of over 2 million young superheroes in 70+ countries who are using their "I CAN" spirit to change the world!
🧑🤝🧑 Who can apply?
This is for groups of at least 5 children or young people (aged 6–17) in Northern Ireland.
No experience required! You just need a big heart and a great idea.
The Adult Rule: Because your safety is our #1 priority, every group must have a Designated Youth Mentor (an adult aged 18+) to join.
🛡️ How to Join (For the Grown-ups)
An adult must apply on behalf of the youth group. To be a Designated Youth Mentor, you must meet one of the following:
School/Org Staff: Provide proof you are working under the supervision of a school or registered youth organisation.
Parents: You are the parent/guardian of at least one of the lead youth applicants.
Community Volunteers: Complete an Enhanced AccessNI background check through eduSOIL and Volunteer Now.
🕒 Key Commitments
Time: About 20 hours total (usually 1.5 to 2 hours a week).
Training: Mentors get free materials with our world-famous 4-step framework. They can also choose to join online trainings and events (at a small fee)
The Project: Your group will create and finish a "Story of Change" project between February and September.
📝 Tasks & Responsibilities: Teamwork in Action!
Step 1: ❤️ FEEL
Youth Leaders (The Superheroes) Talk to your friends and identify a problem that affects your lives or mental health.
Adult Mentor (The Guide). Listen & Facilitate: Create a safe space where every child’s voice is heard without judgment.
Step 2: 💡 IMAGINE.
Youth Leaders: Brainstorm a wild, creative, and "out of the box" solution!
Adult Mentor. Encourage Innovation: Help the group think big and narrow down their ideas into a plan.
Step 3: ⚙️ DO.
Youth Leaders: Get to work! Lead your project and make a real difference in your community.
Adult Mentor. Ensure Safety: Manage the logistics, stay within safeguarding boundaries, and keep everyone safe.
Step 4: 💬 SHARE.
Youth Leaders:Tell the world! Present your project at school or in your town.
Adult Mentor: Tell the Story: Help the group upload their project to the global DFC platform and prepare for the NI Showcase.
✨ What’s in it for you?
Local Fame: Present your project at our Annual Showcase at the Brian Friel Theatre in September 2026!
Global Connection: Become part of an international network and collaborate with youth leaders in South Africa, Sudan, and India.
Global Trip (Optional): Groups who finish by August can fundraise to represent Northern Ireland at the Be The Change Global Celebration in Greece in November 2026!
Skills for Life: You’ll learn leadership, empathy, public speaking, and problem-solving—skills that look amazing on future applications.
🛡️ Safeguarding & Ethics
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. All mentors must adhere to the eduSOIL Safeguarding Policy:
🔐 Read the Policy Here
Mentors are responsible for:
Maintaining ethical boundaries.
Securing a safe space for meetings (school, library, or community centre).
Promptly reporting any wellbeing risks to the eduSOIL team.
👋 How to Apply
Form your Team: Get your group of 5+ friends together.
Pick your Mentor: Ask a teacher, a parent, or a local youth worker to be your Designated Youth Mentor.
The Adult Applies: The mentor applies directly on this platform.
The Interview: We will chat with the Mentor (and the lead Youth Applicants) within 5 days.
Checks & Training: Once background checks and safeguarding training are finished, you’ll get your DFC NI Toolkit and can start your project!
Are you ready to say "I CAN"? Apply today!