Recognising the vital role design can play in creating a prosperous economic future for South Africa, leading retailer Woolworths, together with the Western Cape Education Department, launched their educational initiative, Making the Difference through Design, for the first time in January 2006. This innovative educational resource guide is designed to be used by teachers in the new FET (Further Education and Training) Design course that was introduced for Grades 10-12. Developed in co-operation with the Western Cape Education Department, this colourful, 600-plus page file takes learners and teachers on an exciting voyage of discovery through the many aspects of the fascinating world of design.

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A unique educational resource
Making the Difference Through Design provides a wealth of information, insights and activities to assist teachers in guiding learners to achieve the required outcomes-based learning objectives.

Containing more than 80 case studies by top South African designers in fields ranging from jewellery to textile design and architecture to multi-media design, Making the Difference Through Design is a colourful, 600-plus page file that takes learners and teachers on an exciting voyage of discovery through this fascinating world. The guide is divided into four main modules:

1. Visual Communication Design, which covers topics such as advertising and packaging design as well as photography, animation and multi-media design;
2. Surface Design, which includes fields as varied as textile design, graffiti and mosaics;
3. Product Design module, covering craftwork - such as basketry, wire work, beadwork, and ceramics - along with disciplines such as furniture design, industrial design, jewellery design and fashion design;
4. Environmental Design covers architecture, display and event design, interior design and theatre & set design.

Pride in South African design
In addition to providing role models, Making the Difference Through Design is also fostering a sense of pride and recognition for South African designs and designers and the contribution design makes to quality of life. Design education teaches valuable life skills such as problem solving and innovation, as well as entrepreneurial skills which learners will be able to apply in all aspects of their lives, no matter what career path they follow.

Participation of South African designers
Many of the top names in the South African design world have generously donated their time and shared their insights and expertise through the resource guide. Among contributors are familiar names like Carrol Boyes, whose tableware is internationally recognised; graphic designer Garth Walker, whose innovative typeface features on the façade of the Constitutional Court building in Pretoria; textile designer Sonwabile Ndamase, who created the Madiba shirt; and many others.

Also included in Making the Difference Through Design are guidelines for teachers and information on further educational and career opportunities. Case studies are added as part of an on-going programme to ensure that Making the Difference Through Design remains current and relevant.

More about the programme
Woolworths' ongoing commitment to both education and to design in South Africa and its sponsorship of Design Indaba has brought other partners, such as Sappi, Adobe and the CSIR, on board. It has also encouraged many of South Africa's top designers to contribute their time and effort to the programme. Woolworths' commitment extended to assisting the Western Cape Education Department with on-going in-service training for teachers, as well as to offering two annual bursaries for deserving design students to further their studies at a tertiary level.

Making the Difference Through Design includes suggestions for classroom activities, a Cape Peninsula University of Technology guide to tertiary education opportunities in design fields, Woolworths bursary opportunities for learners, training opportunities for teachers, and information on how teachers and learners can attend Design Indaba as well as about the annual Sappi design competition. Making the Difference Through Design also introduces teachers and learners to internationally developed design software, which is provided by Adobe Systems and ProductOne.

For more information on Woolworths, visit: www.woolworths.co.za