The impact of toolkits in international development

Reach School offers space to reflect, connect, and re-engage through curiosity and small, intentional actions. We ask simple questions that help move from passivity to participation, taking charge of our learning journeys, even in the smallest interactions. These moments remind us of the power of being in conversation—with each other, and with the world around us. As part of our mission, we are striving to make virtual spaces feel alive through thoughtful facilitation and a strong sense of collective presence.

The Reach Network is a global community of experienced, impact-driven designers committed to engaging in meaningful projects. Our Monthly Reach School provides a safe space to seek and offer feedback on ongoing projects, as well as to learn from each other’s experiences to enhance the effectiveness of our work. In a recent Reach School, we convened to discuss a prototype of an online guide designed for the creative industries aimed at making a positive impact on climate and social justice. This guide draws on ten years of insights from What Design Can Do (WDCD). Various professionals from the Reach Network were actively involved in developing the research and insights that formed the foundation of this guide. By engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing experiences, we utilised our extensive knowledge to provide informed feedback and assess the product's effectiveness in the field.

Integrating new technologies like AI into our daily lives and work is not a new concept. In our Reach School sessions in 2024, we have engaged in multiple conversations about AI. We believe it is our responsibility to understand what efforts are needed to create meaningful, positive, and humane ways of utilizing AI, around the world.