My Journey at Dream a Dream: From Uncertainty to Fulfilment

Dream a Dream was my first full-time experience working in the NGO sector. Before joining this organisation, I had only volunteered sporadically, never really committing to a cause long-term. My career before this was a patchwork of unsatisfying jobs, especially in the booming BPO sector of the early 2000s. The industry offered substantial salaries and perks, tempting many to join. But despite the financial rewards, I could never find satisfaction in sitting in a fancy office, providing customer service, or selling products with an awkwardly adopted English accent. I yearned for something more meaningful, something that aligned with my values.

During this period of job hopping, I took a certification course where I met my classmate, Rose. She introduced me to Dream a Dream, an organisation she spoke highly of. Curious and somewhat desperate for a change, I decided to give it a shot. I met Vishal, the co- founder, during my interview, I told him honestly that I would give it a month. If I didn’t enjoy it, I would move on. Little did I know that this would mark the beginning of a journey spanning over two decades—a journey that has brought me immense fulfilment and joy.

The First Day: A New Beginning

I still vividly remember my first day at Dream a Dream. I was initially assigned some data work, which seemed straightforward enough. However, after lunch, Vishal asked me to visit Jayanagar, where children from partner schools like Ananya and Vishwas were playing table tennis. I was puzzled and asked what I was supposed to do there. Vishal simply replied, “Observe, make notes, and above all, have fun.” His words caught me off guard. I had never been told to “have fun” at work before.

When I arrived at Jayanagar, the atmosphere was electric. The children greeted me warmly, inviting me to play with them. “Aunty, come, let’s play!” they said, their enthusiasm contagious. I joined them, played table tennis, and felt a sense of belonging that I had never experienced in any of my previous jobs. This wasn’t just work; it was a joyous, fulfilling experience. From that day forward, I knew I had found a place where I belonged.

Working with Volunteers: An Inspiring Experience

One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey at Dream a Dream has been working with volunteers. These individuals, many of whom held demanding jobs in the corporate sector, were some of the most dedicated people I had ever met. They were always just a call away, ready to help with programmes, operations, or events. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and they often brought a fresh perspective to the work we were doing.

When I asked the volunteers why they were so committed to volunteering with us, I received a variety of responses, each more inspiring than the last-

“I am not from Bangalore, I came here for a job”, “I am free on weekends”, “I love working with children”;

“It feels good”, “I have made a lot of friends here.”

“Volunteering here has allowed me to get to know colleagues who I would otherwise never meet at my office.”

“Instead of spending time in the same malls with my girlfriend/boyfriend, we both find this more fun and meaningful.”

“I feel like I’m contributing to society without having to sacrifice my full-time job.”

These responses made me realise the powerful impact Dream a Dream had, not just on the children, but on the volunteers as well. They found a sense of purpose and community here, something that many of them lacked in their daily lives.

Growth and Pride: Looking Back

Dream a Dream has given me the opportunity to take on multiple roles and responsibilities. I have been part of strategic planning, worked closely with partners, and most importantly, learned how to handle people from diverse backgrounds. The experience has been an incredible learning journey, one that has shaped me both personally and professionally.

Today, when I look at the growth of the organization, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride. Dream a Dream has grown tremendously over the years, and I’m proud to have been a part of its journey. As I reflect on my journey, I realize that Dream a Dream wasn’t just a job—it was the place where I found my true calling and I am filled with gratitude and a deep sense of accomplishment for having contributed to a cause that truly makes a difference.

The joy and fulfilment I found in this work while at Dream a Dream were unparalleled, and I owe much of it to the supportive environment and the incredible people I had the pleasure of working with. Dream a Dream is not just an organisation; it is a community, a family that has nurtured me both personally and professionally. I am grateful to Vishal, to the organisation, and to every person with whom I have worked at Dream a Dream.

About the Author:

Kiran Rao is a people-oriented professional with nearly two decades of experience in the social sector. Renowned for strong people management skills, she has a proven track record across various domains, including Volunteer Management, Program Management, Fundraising, Donor Management, and Partner Relationships. With a Major in Psychology from Bangalore University and a Master’s degree in MSc Psychology from Madras University, she started her career from grassroots initiatives and advanced to management roles. She is a Fellow of the Aritra Leadership Acceleration Program, a prestigious initiative conducted at IIM Bangalore in 2018-19. Along with Ms. Shivani Sharma, she co-founded Own2Feet, aimed at addressing the operational challenges faced by organizations, championing a shift from individual dependency to process-driven structures, significantly enhancing operational efficacy. Own2Feet stands as a testament to her vision of sustainable development and organizational transformation within the social sector.

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