TOH Experiential Changemaking Model (ECM)

From learning to action: enabling students to solve real-world problems

The TOH ECM enables students to learn by solving real-world problems. Through structured journeys, students move from identifying local challenges to building and implementing solutions using tools like design thinking & applied AI. Unlike short-term programs, it creates continuity, enabling students to sustain and scale their initiatives. The model has reached 45,000+ students across 18 states.

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated April 2026

Created by

Tale of Humankind Foundation

Visit Organisation's Site

Web presence

2022

Established

9K 2023

16K 2024

16K 2025

1

Countries

All students

Target group

We envision an education system where learning moves beyond memorization and becomes rooted in real-world problem solving, creativity, and action. Through the TOH Experiential Changemaking Model, we aim to shift students from passive recipients of knowledge to active changemakers who can identify challenges, build solutions, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. This means embedding experiential, applied learning as a core part of how students learn, rather than treating it as an add-on. We seek to create environments where students regularly engage with real-world problems, collaborate across disciplines, and develop the confidence and agency to act. This is especially critical for students in underserved contexts, who often lack access to such opportunities. In the long term, we aim to see education systems integrate structured, scalable models of experiential learning that build problem-solving ability, adaptability, and innovation as foundational skills. Our goal is not just to improve learning outcomes, but to enable young people to become creators of change, equipped to navigate and shape an increasingly complex world.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

Education systems continue to prioritize memorization over application, leaving students underprepared to solve real-world challenges or adapt to rapidly changing social and technological contexts.

This gap is especially visible in underserved communities, where students lack access to mentorship, innovation exposure, and opportunities to apply learning. Even where interventions exist, they are often short-term and do not lead to sustained engagement or real outcomes.

The TOH Experiential Changemaking Model was created to address this disconnect by enabling students to actively engage with real problems in their communities and build solutions, making learning practical, relevant, and action-oriented.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

The TOH Experiential Changemaking Model operates as a structured, multi-phase learning journey that moves students from exposure to sustained action.

Students begin by understanding real-world problems in their communities, then work through guided stages of problem identification, solution design, and implementation using tools such as design thinking and applied AI. The model emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and iterative learning.

It is implemented through multiple formats such as bootcamps, school programs, and extended fellowships including initiatives like YCB and Metamorphosis, all of which follow the same core framework.

To date, the model has:
* Reached 45,000+ students across 18 states
* Enabled 6,000+ students to complete intensive programs
* Supported 2,000+ students to continue building initiatives
* Led to 200+ student-led solutions

This demonstrates both scale and continuity, with students not only learning but actively creating real-world impact.

How has it been spreading?

The model has scaled across 18 states through partnerships with schools, higher education institutions, and local ecosystems. Collaborations with institutions such as IIT Delhi and IIIT Delhi have enabled deeper, multi-phase programs.

Growth has been driven through a combination of institutional partnerships, community networks, and participant-led expansion, where alumni initiate and lead new efforts.

Over the next 2–3 years, the focus is on:
* Deeper integration within school systems
* Expansion into underserved geographies
* Strengthening continuation pathways for students
* Building a scalable, replicable model that can be adapted globally

How have you modified or added to your innovation?

The TOH Experiential Changemaking Model has evolved significantly from its initial form as short-term, workshop-based interventions to a structured, multi-phase model focused on depth and continuity.

Early implementations revealed that while students were engaged, many did not continue beyond initial exposure. In response, we introduced a layered approach, enabling students to progress from awareness to intensive programs and further into sustained action. This led to the development of continuation pathways where students collaborate, build initiatives, and stay engaged over time.

We have also strengthened institutional integration by moving from standalone programs to partnerships with schools and higher education institutions, enabling longer-duration engagements.

Additionally, we have incorporated tools such as applied AI and design thinking into the learning process and built a stronger mentor network to support students.

These iterations have helped shift the model from participation-driven engagement to outcome-driven impact, with increasing evidence of sustained student-led initiatives.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

Schools, institutions, and organizations can adopt the TOH Experiential Changemaking Model by partnering with us to implement structured programs tailored to their context.

The process typically involves:
1. Identifying a cohort of students and local challenges
2. Delivering guided, multi-phase programs focused on problem solving and solution building
3. Training facilitators and enabling mentorship support
4. Supporting students beyond initial programs to continue and scale their initiatives

We provide program design, facilitator training, and ongoing support to ensure effective implementation.

Interested partners can connect with our team to explore adaptation and deployment within their ecosystem.

Implementation steps

Identify context and partners

Identify the target group (school students) and partner with a school, institution, or local organization. Understand the local context, student needs, and key challenges students can work on. This ensures the model is adapted to the environment where it is being implemented.

Select and onboard student cohort

Select a group of students (typically 30-100) and introduce them to the concept of changemaking and real-world problem solving. Build initial awareness and motivation through orientation sessions and exposure activities.

Introduce problem-solving frameworks

Train students in basic tools such as design thinking, problem identification, and applied AI. Help them understand how to observe their communities, identify meaningful problems, and think about potential solutions.

Facilitate solution design and building

Guide students through a structured process where they define problems, develop ideas, and build solutions. This may include prototypes, campaigns, or initiatives addressing local challenges. Mentors and facilitators support students during this stage.

Enable implementation and testing

Support students in implementing their solutions in real-world contexts. Encourage testing, iteration, and feedback to refine their ideas. This step ensures learning moves beyond theory into practical action.

Build continuation pathways

Enable students to continue beyond initial programs by connecting them to mentorship, peer networks, and further opportunities. Support them in scaling or sustaining their initiatives, ensuring long-term engagement and impact.