Empower Vulnerable Young People with Life Skills

Dear Co-Dreamers!!

As we continue our journey on creating a vibrant, positive, and healthy future for our young people; we are all set and geared up to start our regular sessions in mid-June.

With this update we would want to share with you story of Alisha (name changed), who was part of Dream Life Skills Program,

Meet Alisha, a 15-year-old, who has been part of our Life skills through Sports and now she attends Life skills through Creative Arts Programme.  Her father is a plumber and her mother is a home maker. Her two elder brothers Suraj and Adit are doing their studies.

The challenge: Alisha was not at all confident about attending the initial days of the Creative Arts sessions. She used to be very nervous when asked a question, had problems in mingling with other members in the group, and did not want to take initiative in any activity.  However, after attending few sessions, with the help of group activities, she started to get involved in the group.

The Change:  She now takes care of other children in the class to help them in case of any issues in understanding during sessions.

The Dream Power:  Alisha says,“I am confident now. In the yoga class, when my teacher asks me to show the types of Asanas (Yoga postures); I show them without any hesitation. I take initiative in answering the teacher’s questions in my school. I grab opportunities to learn by expressing my view point. I can share my feelings now which helped me to get rid of my selfishness and it also helped me to know who my true friends are. I do not have stage fear now. For example, I did the ‘Master of Ceremony’ in the Children’s day celebration without any hurdle. This is because of the help from Dream A Dream classes. Now I feel I am thinking positively at each step. I want to become a Radio Jockey, my brother is my inspiration to do so. With the help of Dream A Dream, I am much more confident and I can achieve my dream.”

 Organization and Programme Updates and Highlights (December 2012 – February 2013):

1. We are all set to start our core programmes for 3500 young people in mid-June and have plans to reach out to 5000 young people in the coming months.
2. 40-45 facilitators are being trained to deliver life skill programs to help deepen the impact of the programs.
3. 32 children and 9 volunteers were part of our first Outdoor Experiential Camp of the year which happened from 18^th to 21^st May 2013.
4. 133 young adults were benefited through our summer batches from Life Skills for Career Development training at our Dream Connect Centre, which offers the tools and foundational life skills necessary for career development.  Teaching them Basic computer skills, English speaking, workplace readiness, career guidance, and career talks.  We are also happy to share with you that one of our young adult have successfully completed her Café Coffee Day Vocational training and has been successfully placed in one of the outlets in Bangalore.
5. First cycle of Mentor training is scheduled to start on June 2^nd for a set of 20-25 volunteers.
6. Teacher Development Workshop was delivered to 52 teachers from 2 of our partner schools with focus on Life Skills Facilitation.  The programme aims to train teachers and community workers to facilitate the development of Life Skills amongst young people in their own schools and regions. The workshops in particular are focused on enabling adults to deepen the understanding of self and young people.  Here is what a teacher had to share from the workshop “Firstly, I have improved myself in a manner which will allow me to work patiently with children or with young people for their success.”
7. Vishal Talreja, Co-founder and Executive Director of Dream A Dream was on a 2-month learning and inspirational journey through the Eisenhower Fellowship programme, U.S.  Know more about his trip; follow his everyday updates on his facebook page- Dreamer on the Go- Vishal Talreja

We look forward to your continued support and enduring relationship!

Thank You!!

Links:

• The Hindu- writes about Dream A Dream