My journey with Dream a Dream is one of self-discovery, growth, expansion, purpose, faith and trust. It taught me that if I love something, I can build the skills to do it and find my space to contribute the most to that vision. It taught me so much about acceptance, holding space, creating safe spaces, power of deep listening, building supportive communities, etc. I would like to share three most memorable moments from my journey which left a deep impact on me:
The first is meeting Vishal in 2004 and observing the way he engaged with us (volunteers), fully present and listening, making me feel like ‘I matter’ and ‘I am valuable’. Once I had invited him to represent Dream a Dream at my workplace to enroll more volunteers. After the presentation, when just one person considered joining, I felt extremely disheartened, as Vishal and his colleague had put so much time into it. When I expressed my regret to him, he said “I still have you.” I could feel that he genuinely meant it. I was a bit flustered as not many people spoke to me like that. I realised that if only we could be that way with people around us and young people, the world would be a much better place.
In 2011, I met Girish, a 12-year-old young person, at a Dream Outdoor Experiential Camp. He was part of my family group (smaller groups with volunteers and young people at the camp to do activities and share feelings). I could see that Girish became attached to me and felt very comfortable sharing his ideas, thoughts, feelings and his life experiences. However, when he realized that the camp would end the next day, his behavior completely changed. He got angry at me, picked up small stones and threw them at me. I could sense that he was struggling with the feeling of attachment and separation. On the bus journey back, he squeezed next to me. This experience taught me how children can be like squiggly lines while navigating their own emotions. As adults, we need to be their constant- a straight line, understanding that they’re learning to cope rather than getting annoyed or taking it personally. With my own daughter, I sometimes slip into the default of trying to fix things or get frustrated, yet I remind myself to return to being her straight line.
The last memory is from a two-day staff training in 2011 facilitated by PYE Global’s Charlie Murphy and Vishal. It was a transformative experience for me to be part of a supportive community. The invitation was to throw out our inner critic voice and participate fully, without thinking what is right or wrong. When the training got over, I felt as if the cloud had lifted. I realised that I have choices, and the voice of my inner critic was not definite. Experiencing the ‘being’ of the facilitators and the magic of that experience inspired me to become a facilitator/trainer and to take the gift of transformatory experiences to others.
Every learning I had during my association with Dream a Dream is for life, it has changed me inside out. I applaud their work, which is a game changer in the way it looks at education and creating a world where each young person can thrive. Words can’t adequately capture the vast experience Dream a Dream has offered me. I am grateful to have been part of this amazing organization as a volunteer, staff-member, facilitator and trainer and to have met many wonderful people along the way. As they celebrate their silver jubilee, I wish them the best and more for continued success always.
About the Author:
Shilpa is a passionate facilitator and Clear Beliefs coach from Bangalore, India. She discovered her true calling in empowering others through her work with Dream a Dream, an NGO where she volunteered in 2004 and later joined as an employee from 2011-20. Inspired by her own transformative journey, she is dedicated to helping people nurture unconditional self-acceptance, overcome limiting beliefs, and lead purposeful, fulfilling lives.