Designing for Impact: OCAD U Students Collaborate with SASANE in Nepal

In May of 2024, Associate Professor, Social Innovation Design, Sarah Tranum led thirteen undergraduate design students from across six programs in the Faculty of Design, to Pokhara, Nepal, where they worked with staff and participants from SASANE, a survivor-led organization that works to raise awareness and end human trafficking in Nepal. Among the many programs and supports it offers, SASANE has several training initiatives that help women gain the skills and confidence needed to explore different employment opportunities. The project focus of the Design Abroad course was working with staff and participants from SASANE, GVI Nepal, and other community-based stakeholders to co-design communication, product, and systems design solutions that expand SASANE’s capacity and supports its mission.

Founded in 2008, SASANE “stands against human trafficking, child marriage, women violence, and oppression so that no female is exploited for forced slavery, flesh trade or early marriage.” The growing awareness of these issues internationally along with SASANE's established track record working on human trafficking and women's rights issues provided a solid foundation for the course's participatory project to lead to implementation and long-term adoption.

Co-Designing for change 

Over three weeks, students worked with SASANE staff and participants to develop a range of solutions, including a new logo, website, product line, and marketing strategies. This hands-on collaboration enabled students to learn how design can intersect with social, cultural, and environmental issues to create meaningful change. The participatory process involved interviews, prototyping, and consultation with local stakeholders, ensuring that the solutions were culturally relevant and sustainable. 

Building lasting connections 

This project is the result of a partnership between OCAD University and GVI, an award-winning organization that focuses on high-impact and high-quality conservation and community development programs in several countries. In collaboration with the GVI team, the Design Abroad faculty developed the program structure built upon GVI’s long-term, trusted relationship with SASANE. The work the students accomplished in collaboration with the community continues as GVI field staff provides ongoing support to SASANE to implement the marketing, product, and service design solutions that were co-designed during the three weeks of this course.

The project strengthened SASANE’s capacity to raise awareness and support survivors of human trafficking. GVI Nepal will continue to assist in implementing the co-designed solutions, ensuring long-term impact. Students not only contributed to SASANE’s mission but also gained a deeper understanding of Nepal’s unique challenges and resilience. Alongside their work, students immersed themselves in Nepali culture, from exploring local landscapes to tasting traditional foods, forging connections with the community and each other. 

The collaboration continues with an exhibition on campus at OCAD U's Great Hall from September 25 to October 8, 2024. This showcase will feature innovative projects inspired by the students’ experiences in Nepal, ranging from speculative design to performance art. 

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