A shining light

From an ergonomic can opener to a well-planned city, we all know that design has the ability to affect our standard of living. But for children’s charity Pratham UK designers look set to play an integral part in the charity’s new fundraising programme hoping to raise literacy levels among children in India.

In September Pratham UK will launch Articulate, a fundraising initiative that aims to improve the lives of more than 11 million children by the beginning of 2011, and many more after that.

With the help of 8 000 children and traditional Indian paper craftsmen, Kaaru plan to create the largest hand-cut paper chandelier ever made, decorated with hand-drawn and hand-cut paper screens. Pratham UK also plan to auction limited-edition mini versions of the centrepiece at the Articulate launch celebration.

As well as the chandelier, Kaaru will be producing ornate bamboo painted letters from both the English and Hindi alphabets, which will be sold to raise further funds for Pratham UK’s valuable work.

But the involvement of designers is not just limited to Kaaru. Through Pratham UK’s Art Advisory Committee, every year the charity will be commissioning artists and designers to create works around the theme of literacy. Mini versions will then be auctioned off in a similar way to Kaaru’s chandelier.

The Articulate launch will take place on 11 September at the Old Billingsgate, 16 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R. To find out more about the charity visit www.pratham.org.uk.