Kim Mackenzie-Doyle matches schools with business to encourage teenage creative thinking and problem solving, writes Robert O’Brien
The Irish education system is traditionally focused on transmitting knowledge for exams and not adequately preparing students to think creatively. According to the World Economic Forum, the must-have career attributes for graduates are creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking.
This non-linear approach is not often encouraged within our current education system. When it comes to the senior cycle, Professor Chris Morash of Trinity College Dublin echoes these concerns.
“The Leaving Cert is dampening students’ innate curiosity and leading to a culture of dependency among students on class notes and exam expectations,” he remarks.
Kim Mackenzie-Doyle created The B!G Idea in 2020. It’s an educational programme for 15-19 year olds that bridges the gaps between industry and education by having students work on projects that solve social issues.
A former president and current director of the Institute of Designers Ireland, Mackenzie-Doyle saw over the course of 20 years in the creative sector just how important a creative and divergent way of thinking can help businesses, and how little those skills were being fostered in schools.
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Having seen the challenges facing young people, she was inspired to create change and ignite students’ innovation and action.
Paired with a mentor, students work for 12 weeks to use creative thinking on societal issues such as mental health, healthcare and the climate crisis.
First trialled in 2020, B!G Idea was launched in 2021 with 500 students, and has grown to over 2,000 students this year, supported by 400 mentors from 225 companies across the spectrum of industries.
B!G Idea has been a hit with mentors too, with nine out of ten continuing from 2021 into 2022 and paying the all-important €200 mentorship fee, which allows schools from all across the education system to participate.
Mentors also have a chance to network and build relationships with others taking part in the project. This growing community is made up of creative professionals, project coordinators, business strategists, product developers, engineers and more, from CEO to graduate level.
According to Mackenzie-Doyle: “Our students are afforded a platform to share their feelings on topics that cause them stress. They contribute their thoughts on what they would like to learn before they even engage with the B!G Idea programme content.
“Co-developing the programme with their needs in mind allows students to connect and benefit from the programme on multiple levels.”
The workshops are facilitated by teachers and mentorship is provided digitally and is designed to be both interactive and flexible.
Mackenzie-Doyle anticipates that programme participation will expand in 2023 to c.5,000 students. However, as the student number increases, so does the requirement for mentors, and the social entrepreneur is seeking 800 mentors for the programme for next year.
Mackenzie-Doyle was recently selected for a place on the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Impact programme, a nine-month accelerator worth €60,000. Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has been providing mentorship and guidance to organisations since 2004.
With the help of SEI, it’s now in Kim’s sights to further develop the organisation and its capacity to meet the growing demand for the B!G Idea programme in schools.
+ If your company or team would like to get involved with The B!G Idea, contact hello@thebigidea.ie
Photo: Kim Mackenzie-Doyle and Tim Griffiths. chief executive of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
