ABC's Dream Program supports teenage orphans' in their transition from institution to society. During Year 1, students receive English, Chinese, computer education and life and job skills training. Students are also housed in intimate family settings where they develop positive self identities and values under the care and guidance of trained service workers. During Year 2, ABC mentors help students obtain jobs or continue their education, and meet weekly with students.
In China, orphans are faced with: 1) insufficient welfare support; 2) unmet physical and emotional needs; 3) unaffordable education and medical expenses. These factors often force orphans to find work in low-income, labor-intensive jobs, to live on the streets, or remain dependent on the welfare system. Ultimately, orphans lose out on education opportunities and find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle. They spend their entire lives struggling to meet their most basic needs.
Solutions: 1) orphans are placed in intimate family-like settings that support their growth into healthy and self-sustaining adults. 2) these teens are empowered with language training, computer skills, career training and life skills education. Furthermore, often for the first time, the teens learn about hygiene, sanitation and nutrition. 3) in year two, the teens are placed into internships, further schooling or entry-level positions and stay in touch with ABC through follow-up meetings.
Students leave the program with increased confidence, self-awareness and tangible life and vocational skills that will prepare them to become self-sufficient and contributing members of society.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
