Empower Vulnerable Young People with Life Skills

Dear Co-dreamers,

As we continue to weave the magic for this year there is excitement all around and the schools are bustling with energy.   In this update, we are excited to share with you story of Najma from our Life Skills Programme.

Meet Najma, a 13-year-old, who has been part of our Life skills through Creative Arts Programme since the last year. 

The Challenge:  Najma was well behaved through the sessions but was afraid of talking in front of other children and would not allow herself to be completely involved in the sessions.  One of the methods Lokesh (our facilitator) uses during the sessions to create a space that gives a chance for each young person to become a leader is to call on a different student in each session for that day’s activity.  During one such activity called ‘alien conference’ (an activity which is designed to build creativity and communication skills); one person gets to be an “alien” who is invited to a conference and gets to make up their own language to speak and there is a “translator” who translates what the alien is saying to the audience (the rest of the class). 

The Change:   Najma was the “translator” who had to explain to others what her "alien" partner was saying.  Her creativity really came out during this activity and she fabricated an intricate story about aliens which fascinated the other children.   She came to the art facilitator at the end of the class to tell him how much she liked the activity.  After the alien conference, the artist in her came to the fore as she became more aware of her creativity and speech.

The Dream Power:   With her new found strength, Najma started creating new games and activities for her peers to enjoy.  One of the new games she made was a hand clapping game which she demonstrated to the entire group.  Since she designed these new games, the children listen to her and followed her instructions.  She has become a leader in the class and is more comfortable sharing thoughts and ideas with others and the facilitator.  She wants to continue Dream A Dream creative arts sessions next year.  Says Najma to the facilitator, “When school is boring, I have the Dream A Dream class to look forward to.” 

Organization and Programme Updates and Highlights (April 2013 – August 2013):

• 3578 young people are enrolled in our life skills programmes – 1669 in Life skills through football and 1909 in Life skills through Arts.
• 138 young people and 29 volunteers were part of 4 Outdoor Experiential Camps for this year.
• 592 young adults were benefited through our 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 2 of our young adults have been successfully placed to work at consulting agency and a Mall respectively.

At Dream Connect center our young person, Zahid (name changed) mentions something interesting in the reflection circle.  He said “Before coming to Dream Connect center I used to smoke a lot.  My mother used to repeatedly insist that I should quit smoking but I always ignored her. But after participating in the DreamConnect program and having discussions with the group here, I’ve decided to give up smoking. I haven’t even touched a cigarette in over a week now.  Thanks to Mahesh (DreamConnect – Facilitator) and my friends for consistently guiding me to change”

• 19 volunteers were trained to be Mentors and 14 have been matched with their mentee’s already.
• 692 volunteers have been engaged clocking over 4773 volunteers hours.
• Teacher Development Workshop was delivered to 131 teachers from 5 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.  After the training teacher says “I would want to integrate Creative activities in classroom education”
• Dream A Dream had been finalized in top 4 NGOs (medium category) in the India NGO Award 2013 https://www.facebook.com/theResourceAllianceIndia

We look forward to your continued support and enduring relationship!

Thank You!!