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Making a Difference with Minecraft

The Block by Block Foundation empowers communities to turn neglected urban spaces into vibrant places that improve quality of life for all.

Our unique methodology centers on Minecraft as a powerful tool for visualization and collaboration, actively engaging neighborhood residents who don’t typically have a voice in public projects.

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Empowering Communities

Block by Block projects transform lives and revitalize urban neighborhoods by improving public safety, economic opportunity, access to clean water, sustainability, and livability, block by block.

 
 
“I’ve been able to contribute to building a community that is more beautiful, safer, and friendlier for myself and for girls in general—and for the community as a whole. In the workshop we can use the model to make our dreams come true.”
— Anh (age 15), Block by Block Workshop participant, Hanoi
 

Featured Project

 
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Building a New Model for Refugee Resettlement

Participatory planning and Minecraft build social cohesion between refugee and host communities in Kalobeyei, Kenya.

“We need trade and shade against strong sun and wind. We need stages for transport, markets, and places to stay and enjoy arts and culture.”
— Nsyamuhaki Joseph, Block by Block Workshop participant, Kalobeyei
 

More Stories

Projects
Building Safer Streets for Teenage Girls in Hanoi
Building Safer Streets for Teenage Girls in Hanoi

Girls in a working-class neighborhood are empowered to address dangerous and poorly lit areas and envision a safer and more pleasant walk to school.

Building Peace in Kosovo
Building Peace in Kosovo

Community ideas from a well-attended workshop turn a deserted market into an appealing public space with gardens, a playground, and Kosovo’s first skatepark.

Building an Accessible, Sustainable Waterfront in Addis Ababa
Building an Accessible, Sustainable Waterfront in Addis Ababa

Residents of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, use Minecraft to help shape the renovation of crucial waterfront infrastructure and protect public spaces for public use.

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Global Impact

 
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1M+

Block by Block has catalyzed the revitalization of urban neighborhoods in more than 30 countries, impacting the lives of more than 1.5 million people.

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25k

More than 25,000 people, including children, women, elders, refugees, and disabled people, have participated in Block by Block Workshops worldwide.

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$6M

The Block by Block Foundation has contributed more than $6M to UN-Habitat to help make the UN Sustainable Development Goals a reality.

 
 
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“Now we can have a nice landscape and a green area
close to where we live. I love how we can put our ideas
into the game and see them become reality.”
— Ziad (age 12), Block by Block Workshop participant
 

Block by Block in the News

Our work adds up to larger impact—from more engaged communities and more livable cities to more forward-thinking public space policies at every level.

Building for Real With Digital Blocks, The New York Times

The original inspiration, and broad application, of using Minecraft to catalyze community involvement in public space planning.

Minecraft Video Game Used to Design Public Space in more than 25 Developing Countries 

Interview with special advisor Pontus Westerberg, who presented Block by Block at the Made in Space conference in Copenhagen. 

Unleashing the Potential of Games on UN Sustainable Development Goals

Block by Block is just one example of how games can raise awareness and engagement on pressing issues like gender equality, climate change, environmental sustainability, and urban planning and development.

Crowdsourcing Public Space Ideas through Minecraft

A report on the Block by Block youth competition held in Mexico City at Aldea Digital, one the world's largest digital inclusion festivals.

Mojang Makes Sense of Minecraft's Classroom Allure

Block by Block board president Vu Bui, on the Future of Play and the benefits of video games.