Project DEFY

Project DEFY Project DEFY is creating self-designed learning spaces that foster curiosity and create a capacity to question, where motivation is the source of education.

These spaces are called Nooks. *All international projects are done on a voluntary basis

Last week, the Project DEFY office looked a little different.There were fabrics, threads, needles and people gathered ar...
07/08/2026

Last week, the Project DEFY office looked a little different.

There were fabrics, threads, needles and people gathered around a table, learning the art of quilting.

There were beginners and experienced hands, people who love crochet and embroidery, and people trying quilting for the first time. Different generations, different levels of experience, all sitting together and learning from each other.

A big shoutout to Niraj Vinayak Borate for bringing this to the office through MotherQuilts Mother Quilts. Niraj is doing some wonderful work to create livelihoods for artisans and turn clothes and fabrics that hold memories into beautiful quilts.

It was one of those afternoons where you realise how much learning can happen when people simply come together, share what they know and make something with their hands.

31/07/2026

No two Nooks are the same. Each one is shaped by the people who learn, build, and grow together.

Hear from our Nook Fellows, Paul, Sona, and Deepika as they share what makes their Nook special to them and their community.

We’re hiring a Senior Research & MEL Lead to lead RAGE, our participatory research initiative, and rebuild our MEL archi...
29/07/2026

We’re hiring a Senior Research & MEL Lead to lead RAGE, our participatory research initiative, and rebuild our MEL architecture from the ground up with learners and communities as genuine co creators.

At Project DEFY, we build Nooks, community spaces where people aged 10 to 75 design their own learning with no teachers, no exams, and no fixed curriculum.

Learning happens. Making it visible without flattening it is one of the biggest challenges in alternative education.

This role exists to help solve that.
We’re looking for someone with 5+ years of experience in research, MEL, or systems design, strong participatory research experience, and a belief that understanding change honestly matters more than performing success.

Bengaluru | Full time | 71.3 to 1.5 lakhs/month

The full job description and application link are in the comments.

If this isn’t for you, please share it with someone who might be a great fit.

The application and JD link are in the bio.

We’re hiring a Senior Research & MEL Lead to lead RAGE, our participatory research initiative, and rebuild our MEL archi...
17/07/2026

We’re hiring a Senior Research & MEL Lead to lead RAGE, our participatory research initiative, and rebuild our MEL architecture from the ground up with learners and communities as genuine co creators.

At Project DEFY, we build Nooks, community spaces where people aged 10 to 75 design their own learning with no teachers, no exams, and no fixed curriculum.

Learning happens. Making it visible without flattening it is one of the biggest challenges in alternative education. This role exists to help solve that.

We’re looking for someone with 5+ years of experience in research, MEL, or systems design, strong participatory research experience, and a belief that understanding change honestly matters more than performing success.

📍 Bengaluru | Full time | ₹1.3 to 1.5 lakhs/month

The full job description and application link are in the comments.

If this isn’t for you, please share it with someone who might be a great fit.

The application and JD link are in the bio.

Every conversation about skills often focuses on what young people should learn.Coding. AI. Communication. Entrepreneurs...
15/07/2026

Every conversation about skills often focuses on what young people should learn.

Coding. AI. Communication. Entrepreneurship.

But behind every visible skill is something less talked about: the ability to learn itself.

Curiosity. Agency. Persistence. Reflection. The confidence to try, fail, and try again.

As the world continues to change, perhaps the most important skill isn’t any single technical or professional competency, but the capacity to keep learning throughout life.

This World Youth Skills Day, we’re celebrating the skill behind every skill.

Last week, Nook Fellows from across geographies came together for a four-day hybrid gathering to exchange experiences, d...
09/07/2026

Last week, Nook Fellows from across geographies came together for a four-day hybrid gathering to exchange experiences, deepen their practice, and strengthen the relationships that connect our learning community.

Across four days, Fellows shared stories from their Nooks, reflected on their journeys with learners and communities, participated in workshops, and engaged in conversations that challenged perspectives and sparked new ideas. Whether joining in person or online, each Fellow brought unique experiences that made the gathering richer for everyone.

A heartfelt thanks to Shambhavi Srivastava, Vijay Sai Pratap, Mansee Shah and Raveena Joseph for facilitating inspiring workshops and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue.

As the gathering came to a close, Fellows returned to their communities with fresh ideas, renewed energy, ready to continue nurturing learner-driven spaces where curiosity, ownership, and collaboration thrive.

24/06/2026

A feast isn’t just about food. It’s about who makes it with you.

Sathanur Nook hosted Baadoota - a Kannada cultural celebration built around coming together for a community meal, especially with meat dishes.

The learners cooked, set up the space, made the posters, and had a ton of fun.

No one was just a guest. Everyone had a hand in making it happen.
This is what we mean when we say a Nook belongs to its community.

[ProjectDEFY, Nook, Baadoota, Karnataka Culture]

19/06/2026

Most children are constantly asked what they want to become when they grow up.

Rarely are they given the time, space, and trust to discover it for themselves.

When children are free to follow their interests, experiment without fear of failure, and learn at their own pace, something remarkable happens. They begin to take ownership of their learning.

Karthik’s story is a reminder that education is not just about delivering answers. It’s about creating environments where curiosity can thrive, confidence can grow, and children can uncover their own paths.

Also a massive shout out to Sona, the katchipedu Nook Fellow, and our partners Voss Foundation ( Hans Hermann Voss-Stiftung) for enabling and supporting the space, so this kind of exploration can keep happening.

What might be possible if more children had that opportunity?

Absolutely delighted to share that the Kaggalipura Nook in Bengaluru hosted its 5th Exhibition Day on June 13th, 2026, f...
15/06/2026

Absolutely delighted to share that the Kaggalipura Nook in Bengaluru hosted its 5th Exhibition Day on June 13th, 2026, filled with creativity, energy, and celebration. Learners showcased incredible projects ranging from baking and blouse stitching to terrarium making, mehendi art, and a heartfelt exploration of stress management, capped off by a graceful Yakshagana performance. Each display reflected their hard work, imagination, and the spirit of self-designed learning.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this day so special, the learners, facilitators, and especially the Kaggalipura community that continues to grow together at and through the Nook. Special thanks to our fellow, Deepika Suresh Ram, for bringing the exhibition together.

12/06/2026

Every kid starts out asking everything.
Then they learn which questions are welcome, and which ones aren’t.
At the Nook, we’re trying to keep all of them in the room.
Because better answers only come from better questions.
And no question is out of place

Address

29, Magrath Road, Victoria Layout
Bangalore
560025

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+918861496608

Website

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