The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times. The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile” -Csikszentmihalyi, Author of Flow.
Attending the Dream a Dream experiential learning camp was an experience to understand our own self and an expression to elaborate what is unknown within oneself. The 5 day camp began on a high note by welcoming young people and adolescents with a special song, drum beating, and garlanding them with ribbons in a green space away from the hustle-bustle of Bangalore city. The enthusiasm and caring nature of the lead facilitators and the volunteers from Dream a Dream created a safe and comfortable space for the young people and adolescents to embark on a journey of self-acceptance and self-discovery by taking creative risks, identifying strengths in individuals and the group, and exploring their dreams through different activities. These life skills are fundamental to child/youth development and to the successful transition into adulthood and becoming fully functioning and productive members of our society.
The notable nature of the camp was the inclusiveness where every young person and adolescent were seen and heard. It gave the opportunity for young people to believe in their own capabilities and their innate potential. Hence the most transformative aspect of the camp were the six parallel workshops facilitated by young and adolescent people which offered them the chance to run the sessions. The camp covered a wide range of topics like songwriting, jewelry making, boxing/self-defense, cotton painting, etc. The young people were innovative and confident. One of the participants who facilitated the cotton painting session, Jagadish, said, “I never imagined I could lead a session with such a large and wonderful group.”
Through a broad range of reflective and interactive activities young people learnt the skills of appreciating, mindfulness, being intentional, listening, empathy, kindness, leadership, learning from each other, among others. It was a fun-filled camp with dance, song, painting, theatre, open mic and group activities. There was a high level of self-esteem and aspiration to do better, which could be witnessed every day, which made the engagement of young people creative and meaningful. The young people celebrated the time spent and the experiences shared in the Open Mic.
For us, the camp helped in unlearning the fear of vulnerability. Throughout the sessions, we were encouraged to openly express our emotions and share our experiences. Every feeling and story was valued and received genuine attention. It allowed us to be humane with unique/similar narratives and establish deep, meaningful connections. This camp created a secure and nurturing space, enabling participants to embrace vulnerability, communicate their emotions and narrate their stories free from fear of judgment – a significant challenge in today’s world. In addition, we were also given a space to step out of our comfort zones. Activities such as spontaneous dancing and facilitating sessions challenged us to embrace spontaneity, adaptability and leadership.
The camp has been a source of joy for the young people. From the moment they arrived, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, and a sense of togetherness, and the goal of the camp was to have fun in all activities. The camp provided an invaluable lesson that joy can be found in the simplest moments, where activities like ‘Dream Trees’ (visual representation) show the strength of positive thinking and the courage to dream when one is supported by peers, families, and mentors. This hope can sustain us through challenges, reminding us that even in tough times, there’s a path forward to brighter days.
Many young people had adverse experiences at a young age and started taking responsibility to look after their families and studying simultaneously. Availability of the adult support system in the Thriving Centre run by Dream a Dream has been instrumental in building their life skills and instilling a belief in themselves to be resilient. This camp has instilled in them joy, confidence and hope which will enable them to thrive despite the trials of life. The Dream a Dream idea of thriving among people was clearly demonstrated and evident in the camp via its facilitation of empowering young people by accepting them as they are as they embrace change in their life.
About the Authors: Watimongla Jamir is a Programme Coordinator, System Demonstration- East Hub, Dream a Dream, Nagaland.
Sharique Mashhadi is an Associate Director, Dream a Dream heading the East Hub state partnerships.