St. Jude’s Public School, Kotagiri, has become the first school to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Skill Development Corporation (ISDC) to implement the World Design Council’s (WDC) Global Creative Skilling Program.

This initiative will empower students with design thinking, innovation, and emerging technology skills, preparing them to excel in the evolving creative economy.The Global Creative Skilling Program integrates design thinking and innovation into school education, equipping students with problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability for real-world challenges.

It also covers sustainability and emerging technologies like AI and data analytics, preparing them for modern careers.With the global creative economy projected to grow by 40% in the next decade and 85% of future jobs requiring creative thinking and technological fluency, this program ensures students stay ahead. They gain global showcase opportunities, expert-led workshops, international design challenges, and a prestigious WDC credential, enhancing their academic and career prospects.

As a key part of the program, students will undertake a real-world project where they will identify a problem in their local community that aligns with one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Using design thinking and innovation frameworks, along with emerging technologies, students will develop practical, impactful solutions that contribute to a better and more sustainable future.

Speaking at the MoU signing, Mr.Philip Thomas, Country Head, World Design Council, highlighted the program’s transformative potential:
“By integrating design thinking and emerging technologies into learning, we are preparing students to be future leaders and innovators. St. Jude’s Public School’s pioneering role in adopting this initiative showcases its commitment to excellence in education.”

Adding to this,Tom Joseph, Executive Director, ISDC, stated:

“The collaboration between ISDC and St. Jude’s Public School marks a milestone in integrating global creative skilling into school education. This initiative is not just about preparing students for future careers but about empowering them with the mindset and tools to innovate, lead, and contribute meaningfully to the global economy.”

Dr.P.P. Dhanarajan,Chairman, St. Jude’s Public School & Junior College stated:
“I am really pleased to have our School as the first School to introduce the World Design Council’s (WDC) Global Creative Skilling Programme and we expect our students to excel in creativity and adaptability so as to meet the real-world challenges, enhancing their academic and career prospects.”

Dr. Saro Dhanarajan, Principal, St. Jude’s Public School & Junior College underlined the significance of this collaboration as follows:
“We at St. Jude’s Public School always believe in providing holistic education. We are elated about implementing World Design Council’s (WDC) Global Creative Skilling Programme as we believe it would nurture both the academic prowess and creativity of the Judians. We are confident that this collaboration would empower the future leaders.”

Mr. Samjith Dhanarajan, Executive Director, St. Jude’s Public School, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:”We are honored to be the first school to introduce the World Design Council’s Global Creative Skilling Program in partnership with ISDC. Our mission has always been to equip our students with world-class learning opportunities that prepare them for the future. ”

As part of the event, Mr. Philip Thomas presented the prestigious World Design Council Approved Learning Partner Certificate to Mr. Samjith Dhanarajan, recognizing the school’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in education.

This partnership will offer students global exposure, hands-on workshops, design challenges, expert-led masterclasses, and WDC certification, significantly enhancing their academic and career prospects.