The practice of self-designed or self-directed learning (SDL), is one approach outside the mainstream education system that can be applied by anyone, and in any circumstances. SDL means, first and foremost, that learners--from a young age on--decide what to learn based on their own interests and passions, how they want to learn it, how long they want to learn about it, and how and in which ways they are using and applying their learning. This makes for a much more relevant kind of learning and education, as it is based on the learner's individual context, interests, and needs. To ensure SDL does not become a matter of one's socio-economic privilege, spaces for self-designed learning that provide free access to the learning web are necessary. This article examines Project DEFY (Design Education For Yourself), a non-governmental organization based in Bangalore, India, sets out to do by creating "Nooks," self-designed learning centers for marginalized communities across South Asia and Africa. Nooks are a low-cost solution to provide equal access to quality education and are free to use for everyone in the local community. Learners of all ages, gender, and social, economic, and cultural backgrounds use the Nook space and resources for various purposes based on their own interests and needs, which includes pursuing their hobbies, discovering a passion, solving a particular problem or issue affecting themselves and/or their families, supplementing their incomes and creating alternative livelihoods for themselves, and addressing and solving problems and issues in the broader community.