Dreams for the future

Before the literacy project took a break, we asked our students to write and/or draw what they think about the literacy project and/or what they dream of for their future. This is not an easy task for most indian children. They are more about "here and now" and what "is", and it is not easy to get them to talk about the future and what "could be".

To speak openly and honest with authority figures and open their hearts and mind are not something they are used to either. In our mind, it is important to encourage them to do so  - so we asked them, knowing this would be difficult for them. And they did their best. Here is what we got back from them (translated to english by Vio);

Dipika* (girl approx 16-17 years old, goes to school): I like the class very much. To be teacher is my dream. Like to study and I like the teacher who teaches very well and explaines very well. What he teaches I understand. That’s what I think about my dream. I want to study enough to stand on my feet and to prove the worth of my mother and father’s name. And I want to learn music and dance and henna tattoo. Thank you.

Ishaan* (boy, approx. 16 years old. Finished class 8, currently out of school/no job):  I want to go to school, work in Khajuraho and support my family.

Roshni* (girl, approx. 17 years old. Finished class 8. Currently taking sewingclass, sponsored by us): I want to study. I like study. I am learning English and Hindi also. I want to learn painting. I want to learn sewing and I will learn well.

Amrita* (girl, approx. 16 years old. Finished class 8. Currently taken sewingclasses together with Roshi*): I like sewing and painting.

Naveen* (boy, approx. 15 years old. Dropped out of school at class 2/3. Currently looking after goats during the day): I want to go to school and study.

Prakash* (boy, approx 21 years old. Dropped out of school at class 2/3. Currently no job): I want to get a job. I want to go to school. 

Suma* (girl, approx.13 years old, goes to school): I like very much, I like very much going to school. I like to do painting. I also like to learn music. I want to learn henna tattoo. I want to go to sewing school. I like sewing very much.

Priya* (girl, approx 13 years old, goes to school): I like to school and I like to study.

Raju* (boy, approx 17 years old. Currently out of school/no job): I like to study. I like to go to school. I want to learn reading. I will do job.

The two yougest in class this afternoon chose to draw. They are young and are still just practising letters and how to hold a pencil. One of them wants to be an artist, which shows in his painting. The other one drew a man watering som plants, so we guess he wants to be a farmer.

*All the names have been changed to protect their identity