Empower Vulnerable Young People with Life Skills

Currently, we have 3000 young people from some of the most challenging neighborhoods across 16 locations in Bangalore meaningfully engaged once a week in a 2-hour core Life Skills programs.  This has been possible due to the commitments and support from donors like YOU, who have helped us, Dream a Dream, to help young adults realize and reach out to their dreams, one at a time.

It was a Dream come true for our graduate, Vishwa Dewan, 19-year-old, Dream graduate, who aspired to become an animator, and got an opportunity to purse his Media studies at College of DuPage, Chicago.  Vishwa was selected to be one among the 42 Indian students to participate in the “Community College Initiative Program” which is an exchange program sponsored by United States Department of State.

He joined Dream A Dream and was part of the Life Skills Thru Football, outdoor camp, Fundays, and Dream Connect programs.  Vishwa picked up a lot of skills like learning to try new things, anger management, good communication, assuming leadership roles, etc.  He tells, “I was a very shy, silent, and lazy boy, but during the camps did lot of work, got an opportunity to show my leadership and was appreciated there.  I felt being active in life is very important.”

Vishwa’s aspiration was to join military and serve the country, but his eye problem did not support.  It was through the Dream Connect Program Vishwa explored his hidden talent and developed love towards Computers and wanted to do a degree in animation, but due to fat fee structure and financial problems had to join BSc in computers.  But now, he says, “I see a hope through Dream A Dream who has provided me with an opportunity to go to US to do Media Studies at College of DuPage, Chicago.” 

We at Dream A Dream are extremely proud of our young graduate who is on his path to realize his dreams with his commitment, faith, and determination. He reinforces our belief that with right learning opportunities and guidance they unleash their potential and take over the life’s challenges with confidence. 

Organization and Program Updates:

• Two young graduates from Dream A Dream Life Skill Programs are selected to participate in the 'Community College Initiative Scholarship Program' sponsored by the United States Department of State. They are among 42 Indian students selected for the program.   Both of them are currently pursuing their courses at Whatcom Community College, Washington State and College of DuPage, Chicago respectively.
• Dream A Dream has been selected to present a paper at the 2012 SMAANZ conference hosted by the University of Technology, Sydney focusing on the dual themes of "innovation and engagement", to discuss the impact created on the participants of the Dream Life Skills thru Football and Creative Arts programs.  http://www.cvent.com/events/smaanz-2012/event-summary-04b03bc6999f40acbc2783ad43f5e5b9.aspx
• 240 young adults successfully completed their Life Skills for Career Development training at our Dream Connect Center, which offers the tools and foundational life skills necessary for career development, from June-August 2012. 
• 46 volunteers were enrolled to become mentors to young adults through Dream A Dream’s 2nd cycle of the Dream Mentoring Program for this year.  This is the first time we have had internal trainers Suchetha and Nilisha conducting the training and it was brilliant!  We look forward to another successful group of mentors to create life-long impact in the lives of young people!

Thank You for being the reason for many Dreams, Smiles, and Aspirations!!.

We look forward for a long-lasting relationship with you.

Warm Regards,