“This collaboration between Dream a Dream and Omidyar Network India aspires to put the spotlight on the critical need to reimagine the purpose of education in the 21st century and to bring to the forefront the impact of adversity on first generation learners from vulnerable backgrounds. We believe that this will push the dialogue on the core purpose of education to help children from vulnerable backgrounds overcome adversity and to thrive in the 21st century using a creative life skills approach,” Dream a Dream Chief Executive Suchetha Bhat said.
“We consider competencies such as critical thinking and creativity, and mindsets such as grit and empathy as integral to quality learning. Dream a Dream's work with a wider network of partners including the government leveraging its innovation in the student learning and training programs has the potential to truly mainstream life skills in the Indian education system. By building critical skills required for the workforce of the 21st century as well as enabling individuals to contribute responsibly toward our interdependent society, Dream a Dream is helping create many meaningful lives," said Namita Dalmia, principal, investments at Omidyar Network India.
At the centre of Dream a Dream’s approach is the belief that children have the potential to overcome adversity and achieve their true potential. Currently, Dream a Dream works with 10,000 young people a year through two innovation labs – After School Life Skills Programme and Career Connect Programme. It has trained over 7000 teachers/educators impacting over 175,000 children and young people. The Happiness Curriculum designed in partnership with Delhi government has impacted nearly a million children through government partnerships. By working with the Aga Khan Foundation, Dream a Dream is also running programs in Kenya.
