Our mission is to develop and prototype a new kind of school bag for children afflicted by conflict and natural disaster
Why This Project Matters
The School Bag Project is our team’s practical response to a profound and urgent need. As designers and educators, we recognize that beyond the immediate physical necessities of wartime, one of the most powerful ways to bring relief—especially to children—is through education.
For children affected by conflict, learning is more than acquiring knowledge: it is a way to rebuild trust, imagine peace, and regain a sense of direction in the world.
We also believe that design and beauty should not be privileges. When made accessible to those who need them most, they can profoundly change the course of a life.
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The School Bag_emergency kit_ is a small but meaningful response: a practical learning kit designed specifically to support both the educational and emotional resilience of children aged 5 to 15. To meet the distinct developmental needs of this age range, the project offers two tailored sets: one for younger learners (5-10 years) and another for adolescents (11-15 years). Each set provides age-appropriate tools to restore routine, dignity, and a sense of belonging when it is needed most.
Scalable, locally adaptable, and designed with care, The School Bag helps open a path forward. Sometimes, a simple object can become the first step toward community, confidence, and possibility.
The structure of the bag
The School Bag is envisioned as a modular, ergonomic system that adapts to the complex realities of children’s lives in emergencies. Every element is guided by comfort, usability, and durability.
The bag is on a trolley with big wheels suitable for all type of terrain.
The structure of the trolley converts into a study surface and the bag itself unfolded, provides an insulating seating area.
Community Connection Mat
Our kit features versatile, durable tools designed to grow with children from ages 3 to 15. At its heart is the Community Connection Mat—a waterproof, insulating surface that creates a defined safe space for play, collaboration, and storytelling. It comes in two designs: calming colors for ages 5-10 to foster focus, and a modern layout for ages 10-15 to spark maximum creativity.
Educational and Art Kits
The kit includes culturally neutral learning tools: a Tangram puzzle for spatial reasoning, Cuisenaire Rods for hands-on mathematics, and a set of Hexagonal Pouches with transparent sheets for layering images and drawing stories. All components are designed for collaborative use and sustainable resilience—simple shapes mean lost pieces can potentially be remade with local materials, turning repair into a valuable community skill.
Cape
At the heart of our School Bag- emergency education kit- is a single, symbolic garment: the Protective Cape.
More than just an item, this cape is the embodied promise of safety and protection. It serves a critical dual function: as a physical shield against adverse weather—extreme heat, cold, or rain—and as an emotional layer of comfort, offering a protected “hug” to children living in distress. It is a wearable solution to daily adversity, crafted from high-quality materials soft to the touch, serving as a constant, tangible reminder of care and security.
Recycled materials
Reinforced straps made from recycled seatbelts and bodies from reused tarpaulins or sails ensure toughness and environmental responsibility. In addition, the bag incorporates recycled mold-injected plastic and laminated recycled fabric scraps, ensuring both structural integrity and environmental responsibility.
Built from weather-resistant fabrics and reinforced stitching, the bag is engineered to survive long-term use in demanding environments.
Safety and Protection
Safety is integral to the design. Reflective strips enhance visibility, antibacterial and weatherproof fabrics prevent infection while providing insulation, and solar-powered lights provide renewable illumination.