By Suchetha Bhat | Chief Operating Officer
We have some fantastic news to start the New Year!!
In November last year, “The Re-image Learning Challenge” was floated by The LEGO Foundation and Ashoka with the aim of transforming the way the world learns. Innovators, educators, academics, and many others from 63 countries submitted more than 630 of the most innovative, impactful and sustainable learning projects to “The Re-imagine Learning Challenge". We are proud to announce that out of all of them, Dream a Dream was chosen as 1 of 10 champions with the most innovative, impactful and sustainable projects aimed at transforming the way the world learns.
Upon receiving the award, at the LEGO Idea Conference in Billund, Co-Founder & CEO Vishal Talreja said, “Dream a Dream is deeply honoured by the LEGO Foundation and Ashoka’s recognition. The award stands as a testimony to the work we believe in—infusing play into learning experiences for young people and teachers, and thereby developing critical life skills to help young people navigate life’s many challenges.”
Lego Foundation recently made two videos around the championship and you can view them on the links below.
For us the award is a validation of the many stories, like Keerthi's, who overcome the challenges that life throws at them and reach for the stars.
Keerthi is 18 years old. He has two sisters. His father works as a security guard and mother works in a garment factory. Inspite of coming from a vulnerable background, Keerthi felt that he had the potential to reach greater heights. He was a bundle of talent, albeit without a platform to express it. This is when he got introduced to our Career Connect Program. After the program, he could see a measureable change in his life.
“Previously, I used to have a carefree attitude to life. I lacked commitment, focus and a sense of responsibility towards my own future. I always believed that I am intelligent, talented and good at studies, but I did not realize the importance of hard work, commitment or discipline in life that one ought to have to become successful. I also learnt that it is important to take initiatives and come out of one’s comfort zone in order to realize one’s potential,” reminisces Keerthi.
Life skills sessions at Career Connect played a pivotal role in his transformation. With a beaming smile, he says, “Life skills sessions were an eye opener to me. The facilitators are caring and compassionate. Through these sessions, they help us to reflect on ourselves and this combined with peer learning also provided me the ideal atmosphere to introspect and accelerate my personal growth.”
Keerthi was able to take up a job as a trainee with distinguished retail outlets like KFC, Café Coffee Day and Westside with the placement support provided by Career Connect program. This was a paradigm shift in his career. He explains, “Before I joined Career Connect, I used to work part time as a construction worker. It was an extremely laborious job. After I joined Career Connect, I was able to use my social skills to interact with customers at KFC, CCD, and Westside which boosted my morale and increased my self-esteem.”
Keerthi, today, displays immense confidence, and recently hosted the international “Change The Script” conference held by Dream A Dream. He was hugely appreciated for his communication skills. Now, through Dream A Dream, he is short-listed for a one year exchange program sponsored by the US Consulate. His story has inspired all of us.
There are many young people like Keerthi, who are dreaming big and are waiting for opportunities to turn their dreams into reality. It is Dream A Dream’s prerogative and a pledge to support them to the fullest. However, we cannot do it without your support. Any contribution, whether it’s USD 5, USD 250 or USD 2500 will go directly to support these bright and talented young people. By making a small contribution, you can make a big difference in their lives.
Links:
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