Providing eco-friendly shelters to the homeless

The Spark:

It began one morning where I was walking near my house and noticed many

homeless people living in unsafe tarps everyday with their entire family. They had

no available features to use which are necessities for us. That was when I

wondered how I could help them. I immediately went home and thought of an idea

where I can make eco-friendly shelters for homeless people so they can have an

easier and better life and can get back on their feet.

Understanding the Problem: Empathy and Observation

To understand this problem I spoke to a few homeless people on the type

of problems they face day to day, I made multiple designs of the shelter

and finalised one. I found all the parts needed and their prices. I then

researched the competition and what they are doing to help. Making my

shelter creative and improving it. I also researched government initiatives

and understood my base idea.

Developing the Idea: Research and Design

Initially I wanted to make full fledged shelters using solar energy and

having multiple features such as rainwater harvesting, eco disposal, etc.

Then I spoke to my mentors and director. They suggested I should rather

make a few amazing designs and present the designs to the government or

other investors instead.

The Prototype or Outcome

Through my research, I spoke to the homeless on what features they would want

in a shelter, I found the main parts needed and the prices and worked on designs

and a mini prototype. Then after receiving great feedback I worked on 1 main

design to use. I will be working on a better design and presenting it to potential

investors and the government.

Reflection: What You Learned

I learnt multiple skills such as designing where I made a few amazing designs on

multiple websites, I also learnt how to make prototypes where I learnt how to do

woodwork, coding and understood great critical thinking. I also learnt how to

communicate with people with no fear. I learnt how to research properly as well.

Looking Ahead: The Next Step

The next step is to work on multiple designs for the next few months and finalise a

few. Then I will take feedback from my mentors and director and work on

improving the design. I would research creative and unique items that would still

keep the shelter at a cost-affordable price. Then I can finally present the designs

to the government or potential investors.

At Keystone International School, students learn to translate empathy into action and creativity into meaningful solutions. Projects like this—where learners design sustainable shelters for homeless communities—reflect the real-world readiness, critical thinking, and social responsibility that define a Keystonian.

If you wish for your child to learn in an environment that nurtures innovation, purpose-driven thinking, and global citizenship, we invite you to explore our programmes.

Enrol now to discover how Keystone shapes thoughtful, future-ready leaders.

Blog written by,

Kanav

Grade: 10