Rodney Lobo thank you for sharing your idea. It's been really inspiring to see what you've been working on. It's great to see you embracing the human-centered design mindset to improve education in India. Please don't hesitate to reach out off line. I'd love if you could me updated on the next iterations of your prototype. Best of luck!

Kyle Emile thanks for sharing this very inspiring idea. It reminded me of a project done Blank Noise to address women safety in India: https://challenges.openideo.com/challenge/womens-safety/evaluation/talk-to-me I really like the idea of tapping into conversations (as a way to reconnect and create empathy). You probably know Celeste Headlee's talk but just in case I'm sharing too https://www.ted.com/talks/celeste_headlee_10_ways_to_have_a_better_conversation
Last I'd like to share the work by 2 designers in Stockholm who have done projects using conversations and dialogues (Check their conversation dinners): http://www.tankeapoteket.se/ I was in their presentation at Parson (in NY) 2-3 years ago and I was very impressed by their work.
I guess the main issue is how to train people so that they feel safe and confidents in starting these conversations.
I wonder if through your partnerships, you have tried to have focused discussions. It could also be interesting from a business model perspective.
Anything you learnt with all the pilots you've done that led you to iterate your idea?
I haven't had time to dive in your website (just read your idea and have a quick look) but looking forward to learn more and see your idea evolve!

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Brannon Veal great idea indeed! I like how fellows not only learn design thinking skills while tackling issues in their communities, thus gaining agencies and developing solutions that can have impact. I had a question similar to Melinda Kramer while reading your post. It's great to see also the community involved in the process. Yet, I wonder if you had considered having some fellows who might not have a college or university degree but could still be fellows and learn new skills, and possibly also have impact on their community.
I also wonder how many hours this will require from participants.
I found this article on a Harvard course which is quite relevant to your project: http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/harvard-class-takes-unusual-approach-designing-solutions-segregation-housing-st-louis#stream/0
I am curious to know what kind of prototype you've done and what you learnt from them and how this led you to refine your original idea. Thanks! Looking forward to seeing your idea evolve.