An extensively researched book that brings forth inspiring stories of young people chalking out their unique pathways, even after adverse childhood experiences, to thrive in their lives, When We Thrive, Our World Thrives – Stories of Young People Growing Up With Adversity (NotionPress) by Dr Connie K. Chung, EdD, with Vishal Talreja, brings the spotlight back on positive youth development and best practises needed for life skills.
It captures the lives of 20 young people who, even from the most vulnerable backgrounds, could thrive and lead their communities for the benefit of our shared future.
“There are millions of young people who face difficult circumstances while they are growing up. This book is a testament to the fact that if young people are provided the right kind of care and support, they grow up to become happy, resilient, and responsible human beings. This, in essence, should be the purpose of education. Dream a Dream has done great work with young people. I wish to see that every single child gets the opportunity to thrive, so that collectively we become a happier and better society,” Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister, Delhi Government.
“Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shape and weigh on lives perhaps more than anything. Yet research shows that some people break this downward spiral with remarkable resilience. Such research carries real meaning only where we can relate to individual life stories. This is where When We Thrive, Our World Thrives makes an amazing contribution, showing the strengths of human capabilities that make for the well-being of humanity,” Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills, and Special Advisor on Education Policy to the Secretary-General at the Organization for Economics, Co-operation and Development (OEDC).
“Nothing could be more critical than towards a world where all of us, and our children thrive. (This) beautiful and important book elevates stories of children’s truth and hope, building on years of hands-on experiments creating environments where all children can thrive. It is my hope that readers leave this book sure of the role they play in creating a life for themselves and others where all of us thrive,” Shaheen Mistri, CEO; Founder Trustee, Teach for India.
“What could be more important – to society or to you – than ensuring that every young person has the power to be a giver, i.e. to have a life? This beautifully clear book shows how you, indeed all of us, can make this happen. IT explains the research simply, points to policy, and – most of all – welcomes you along as Vishal and team gently, lovingly help challenged young people onto rich, confident life journeys,” Bill Drayton, CEO, Ashoka: “ Everyone a Changemaker”
“Hearing voices of the young and listening to stories of their journey through challenges and opportunities can be very inspirational, not only for young people but also for all those who seek to create a better future for all. I congratulate the entire team at Dream a Dream for their impressive efforts over the last two decades and for sharing through these stories and illustrating how it is possible to overcome adversity, grow and thrive,” Rukmini Banerji, CEO, Pratham Education Foundation.
This book is about the graduates of Dream a Dream. It centres on moving, personal stories of young people and what it means to grow up with adversity and thrive. It weaves in research about positive youth development and best practices of the globally recognised life skills programme developed by Dream a Dream; it also chronicles Dream a Dream’s growth and development as an organisation. It shares stories of hope that, with proper support from caring adults, young people from even the most vulnerable backgrounds can thrive and lead their communities, for the benefit of our shared future.
Since 1999, Dream a Dream has gained the attention of Indian and global communities as a leading education non-profit that is cracking the code on how to support young people with backgrounds of adversity to thrive, realise their potential, and become leaders who will shape our collective future. Currently, Dream a Dream works directly with 10,000 young people each year through two innovation labs – After School Life Skills Programme and Career Connect Programme.
Dream a Dream’s award winning life skills approach, developed in these programmes, is designed to give young people, aged 8 to 22, a nurturing environment in which to heal, grow, and develop the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly fast changing world. This approach is now being integrated across public schools in India through government partnerships. Dream a Dream has shared its innovative model with over 3 million young people by bringing its professional development program to over 35,000 educators in six Indian states.