NGO to showcase life-skill module at world summit

One such non-governmental organisation is Bangalore-based ‘Dream A Dream’ that has been imparting lifestyle skills to underprivileged children for the past 12 years in the City.

The NGO has been invited to present its module at the Globaliser Summit of Ashoka, a worldwide association of social entrepreneurs, to be held in Stockholm, Sweden, from March 26 to March 28.

Vishal Talreja, co-founder and executive director of Dream A Dream, told Deccan Herald that the summit would provide them an excellent opportunity to interact with other Ashoka entrepreneurs. This year, 16 Ashoka fellows have been selected for the summit.

The NGO was started by 12 youths in 1999. Initially, it worked on a number of ideas, but decided to focus on providing life-skill programmes.

During conversations with shelter homes, the NGO realised that as much as 70 per cent of the underprivileged children faced problems coping with challenges in the outside world as they lacked life skills, he said.

Dream A Dream now works on life skills among students of government schools, charity institutions and shelter homes.

“The team provides life skills that will equip them to face challenges in daily life, be it looking for a job, building relationships or making one’s life better. More thrust is laid on enhancing self-esteem, improving communication and interaction abilities and resolving problems,” said Talreja.

At present, the team works with as many as 3,000 children a year in the City.
The training modules consist of sports, creative arts, computer education and adventure
to impart the requisite skills.