Global Washout Day: A Challenge to Inspire Change

Published 21st November 2024

On the 19^th of November, members of The Design & Technology Association took part in Global Washout Day, a worldwide initiative spearheaded by The Washing Machine Project. This impactful campaign aims to shine a light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by millions of people who must hand wash their clothes with limited access to water.

For billions around the world, handwashing clothes is more than a simple household task—it is a physically demanding and time-consuming necessity. Many are forced to walk miles to collect water and use only a small amount to scrub and rinse their clothes. To better understand the realities of this daily struggle, our team undertook the challenge of handwashing clothes with a limited water supply. The freezing temperatures and falling snow on the day of our activity added an extra layer of difficulty, providing us with a stark reminder of the hardships faced by so many.

This small but eye-opening activity offered us just a glimpse into the effort endured by millions every day and reinforced our commitment to harnessing design and technology to drive meaningful change.

Launching the Inspired by Industry Context: Where Design Meets Empathy

In collaboration with The Washing Machine Project, we are delighted to announce the launch of a new Inspired by Industry Context educational resource, designed specifically for KS3 D&T students.

This innovative resource challenges students to rethink the laundry process for a school in Uganda, encouraging them to apply real-world problem-solving skills to reduce the burden of handwashing clothes. Fully aligned with the National Curriculum, it develops vital technical skills, including ergonomics, manufacturing, CAD/CAM, and rapid prototyping.

However, this resource goes beyond technical expertise. It aims to foster empathy and a deeper awareness of global issues, inspiring students to see how their designs can have a meaningful impact on the lives of others. By engaging with this real-world challenge, young people will gain a profound understanding of how design can be a force for good, empowering them to become the changemakers of the future.

Download the resource today at inspiredbyindustry.org.uk and join us in encouraging students to design solutions that make a real difference.

Through our involvement in Global Washout Day and the launch of this resource, we aim to inspire action and innovation. Together, we can create a world where no one has to endure the exhausting daily challenge of handwashing clothes with limited access to water.