SchoolChanger

The mental health of EU youth is in crisis. Around 20% of EU teenagers face mental health challenges that not only affect their personal lives but also have profound implications on their educational outcomes. Recognizing the key role of school environments in influencing student well-being, our project seeks to find the ways to transform schools into nurturing grounds for well-being. We revealed a striking gap in youth engagement in decisions related to school environments and a common thought: students feel unnoticed in decisions that directly impact their daily lives and mental well-being. To address this, we will develop an innovative model of cooperation that encourages joint activities and communication between students, teachers, school management, and professionals in design, furniture, welfare technology, and medicine. It will embrace the principles of sensory design and inclusivity, ensuring spaces meet the diverse needs of all students while fostering social and ecological responsibility. By involving students in the decision-making process, we aim to cultivate a culture of engagement from an early age, setting the stage for them to become proactive members of their communities. SchoolChanger is more than an idea for redesign of spaces; it's a step towards redefining educational experiences and thus improving public services. By empowering students to shape their surroundings, we're building the confident, creative, and community-minded leaders of tomorrow.