Engage With Us

Agile and Decentralized Operations

Our operations and finances are highly decentralised, ensuring that decision-making is democratically distributed among our partners and communities.

This approach allows the core Project DEFY team to stay small and agile while expanding our global operations rapidly. Consequently, this enables the team to develop and test new ideas rapidly, thus functioning like a lab.

Co-Evolving With Communities

Project DEFY initiated the first few Nooks in diverse communities. These were fully funded by DEFY and have now grown to operate independently, adapting to local needs and becoming role models for designing future Nooks.

Communities at the Centre, Always

To create lasting impact, DEFY shifted from running Nooks directly to enabling local partners to lead them. These partners set up and manage Nooks within their communities, with DEFY guiding them as a knowledge partner.
This approach helps Nooks become fully community-run, scalable, and sustainable — with minimal overhead and maximum local ownership.

A Lab of Ideas Rooted in Community Wisdom

Our small core team helps us stay agile and experiment rapidly. Over time, we discovered that DEFY’s real strength lies in designing innovative, community-led solutions.
We now see DEFY as a living lab identifying critical issues, developing solutions with communities, and sharing these ideas for wider adoption across the world.

We are always on the lookout for new people and groups to form meaningful collaborations with. Join us!

Work at Project DEFY

Be part of a team that’s building learning spaces where curiosity leads the way. If self-designed learning and radical change excite you

Volunteer at Project DEFY

Curious about how DEFY is reshaping learning across the world? As a volunteer, you’ll co-create change, grow with a caring team, and learn from inspiring communities.

Start a Nook in Your Community

Know a community that would thrive with a Nook? If you’re excited to bring a new Nook to life, we’d love to hear from you.

Work with an Existing Nook

Have an idea that aligns with the Nook model? Or simply inspired and want to contribute your time or resources to a nearby Nook? Whatever your interest, we’d love to explore ways to collaborate.

Collaborate with Us on the DISPECS Pilot in Assam

DISPECS is our latest experiment—this time in disaster preparedness. If you have an idea or want to be part of this exciting pilot in Assam, we’d love to hear from you.

Bring DISPECS to a new community

Inspired by our community-led approach to disaster preparedness? Help us set up a DISPECS program where innovation, resilience, and collective care come together in a new community.

Work with Us on an Existing RAGE paper

RAGE (Research in Alternative Global Education) is DEFY’s independent research arm, dedicated to challenging dominant narratives in education and amplifying alternative models. If you’ve found one of our previous papers compelling and want to learn more, we’d love to connect.

Pitch Your Research Idea

Have a question worth exploring in the space of learning and social change? Share your idea with us – we’re eager to co-create new knowledge together.

Feature on Our Next Episode of the Podcast

Got a story, insight, or project that challenges the status quo in education? We’d love to amplify your voice.

Suggest Ideas or People for Podcast Episodes

Know someone making waves in radical education or community learning? We’d love to hear their story. Send them our way—we’re eager to listen.

At Project DEFY, we’re constantly experimenting and innovating to drive social change. Donate to fund a Nook, DISPECS program, or DEFY’s broader ecosystem – your support powers real change. You can donate directly, or if you’re interested in large-scale collaboration, let’s talk first to explore the best way to contribute.

Inspired by the work we do, but not sure how to get involved? Sign up to be part of the DEFY ecosphere, and you’ll be the first to receive updates, opportunities, newsletters, and more! Connect, contribute, and grow alongside others reimagining how learning happens.

Reach Out and Connect

Email:	info@projectdefy.org
Phone:	+91 80 25565655
Address:	1st Floor, #720/A7 11th main, 9th cross, HAL 2nd Stage Bengaluru, Karnataka  Pin – 560038