Implemented by the Social Design Hub, the program helps advance the social mobility of disadvantaged young women through the design and manufacturing processes of ordinary items. The FRUSKA research project and workshop series enables girls aged 10 to 18 to engage in a creative learning and shared creative process who would otherwise have no such opportunity. The goal is to help participants master technological and tool use skills and experience the freedom and consequences of choice through the customization of items created, and in turn enable them to shape their broader environment. Supportive teaching is one of the key focuses of FRUSKA workshops. Based on participatory design and mutual learning, the program is designed to enhance the girls’ self-esteem, sense of autonomy and empowerment to give them better chances later in life and in work.

The first of the four sessions covers the basics of object design and creating models, while the second involves working with a mirror to promote a better understanding of one’s self. On the third workshop, the participants develop designs for their own spaces, eventually creating and decorating customized objects during the final closing session. FRUSKA workshops are still ongoing and the circle of participants and girl mentors are widening constantly. A larger aim of this research project is to promote the developed method towards educators, practitioners, social workers and community organizers for a wider application, eventually leading to more empowered girl communities.