The Design for Sustainable Development Foundation (DFSD) is the not-for-profit arm of the Academy of Design (AOD), Sri Lanka’s pioneering design institution. Our mission is to use design as a force for economic justice, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment, especially in underserved rural communities.

Since our founding in 2009, DFSD has worked hand-in-hand with village-based artisans across the island, bringing design education, sustainable production opportunities, and international market access to women who have long held powerful craft traditions but lacked opportunity.

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Our Model

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Design-Led: We merge heritage craft with contemporary design and product
Community-Driven: Our programs are shaped around the voices and needs of rural women.
Market-Connected: We ensure every livelihood is commercially viable through sustainble fashion and lifestyle retail partnerships.
Sustainable by Design: Each initiative reinvests into the community to grow over time.
 

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