On Monday 23 September we launched an exciting new project in France: Design Goes To School.

It's an educational program involving 6 schools in disadvantaged areas in the Paris region. A class of 25 students (aged 12-13) from each school has just begun a course focusing on human rights.  The course will run from September 2013 until June 2014 and will teach the students design and social communication basics with a "hands on" approach.

The classes are taught by 6 professional graphic designers living in the area who will meet the students on a weekly basis. In the classes the students will discuss the issues revolving around the right to education, and the tutors will help them to turn their thoughts into socially relevant messages and images. The students will be encouraged and helped to make posters (many, many posters we hope) and a giant fresco.

During the year there will be visits from NGOs and other guest speakers to provide different perspectives on human rights issues and inspire the students. At the end of the course, the best work will be featured in an exhibition.

The course has been made part of the students' curriculum for the year, therefore attendance is compulsory and success in the classes count towards the end of year marks.

The project has been made possible by the generous support of Fondation de France and Fondation HSBC pour l'Éducation.