The 7Senses Challenge is an intensive 12-week program for students, post-graduates and professionals. In a multi-disciplinary, international team they perform Participatory Action Research in the field to boost community empowerment while at the same time work on their own personal and professional development.

Each Challenge design starts from a community issue, addressed by its problem owners at location. As such, we make sure the Challenge is based on local demand rather than donor demand. Together with these local stakeholders, we design the Challenge in a way that fits the local context, from the problem framing up to methodology and concept definitions.

Each Challenge delivers direct outcomes for the local community on the addressed issue: we can share how many people have been reached, what their perspective is on the current and desired situation and what final Community Action Plan (CAP) they have co-created and implemented. In a later stage, local stakeholders will evaluate the impact of the CAP.

The Healthy Teeth Challenge has created awareness in the community of Mfuleni township about poor oral health amongst children and the consequences for their future. Now parents and children know what they need to do to prevent these problems. During the follow-up a mother said: ‘Because of this project my children now want to brush their teeth everyday. Not only at school, but also at home. The oldest child asked me to buy toothbrushes and toothpaste and taught her brothers and sisters how to take care of their teeth. I am really happy about that.’