Other Programs
Rural Centre
Rural Centre initiative
Make My Dream Foundation launched its Rural Centre initiative to extend support to underserved rural areas. The first step was an initial camp in August 2015 in the villages of Sonwadi and Gajwadi at the foothills of Sajjangad. During this camp, our team extended guidance to 12 candidates and their parents to assess their needs. After thorough evaluation, we identified six candidates eligible for our support program. This marked the official beginning of our Rural Centre, aiming to bridge the accessibility gap and provide much-needed assistance to individuals with disabilities in rural communities.
Ongoing Support and Services
Our Rural Centre ensures continuous aid through intermittent visits by our team to assess and address the evolving needs of candidates. We facilitate corrective surgeries for physical disabilities, provide artificial aids like prosthetics and mobility devices, hearing aids and extend educational support through tuition fees, school identification, and study materials. Regular medical check-ups are conducted to monitor health and ensure proper treatment. By offering comprehensive services tailored to individual needs, we strive to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers individuals with disabilities and enables them to lead more independent, fulfilling lives in rural settings.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Rural areas often lack structured development programs for individuals with disabilities, leaving families without essential resources. Limited literacy among parents hampers early detection and treatment of disabilities. Superstitions and misconceptions surrounding disabilities further prevent families from seeking medical or rehabilitative care. Raising awareness through educational campaigns is crucial to overcoming these barriers. Additionally, the need for a strong network among NGOs and allied organizations is evident, as collaboration can enhance impact, expand service reach, and ensure better coordination in delivering medical, educational, and assistive support to the rural disabled community.
Future Plans and Expansion
Our goal is to expand the Rural Centre initiative to more villages by organizing additional camps and increasing outreach efforts. We aim to intensify awareness programs to dispel myths, educate families on early intervention, and promote disability rights. Strengthening partnerships with other organizations will improve resource availability and service delivery. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and accessibility, we aspire to bridge the urban-rural divide in disability support and create sustainable solutions that enable individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential, ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of geographical location.
Dream Vision Fund
Genesis and Growth of the Dream Vision Fund
Established in 2014, the Dream Vision Fund embodies the spirit of giving back, initiated by self-reliant candidates eager to contribute to society. Beginning with small monthly donations of Rs. 100 each, a dedicated bank account was created to manage these contributions transparently. This initiative empowers individuals who once received support to become donors themselves, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency and community service. Over time, the fund has grown, enabling candidates to take charge of social projects and support meaningful causes, reinforcing the foundation’s mission of empowerment through active community participation.
Annual Projects and Achievements – 2015 & 2016
In 2015, the Dream Vision Fund provided a water purifier and recreational games to hostels in Village Asde, benefiting tribal children pursuing education. This improved their living conditions and brought them joy. In 2016, the fund sponsored an “Art Corner” showcase for a school in Sonwadi/Gajwadi, fostering creativity among students by providing a dedicated space for artistic expression. These projects not only enhanced educational environments but also demonstrated the candidates’ commitment to improving community well-being, showing how small contributions can make a meaningful difference in rural education and child development.
Annual Projects and Achievements – 2017
In 2017, the fund assisted an engineering student by covering his university fees, ensuring financial constraints did not hinder his academic progress. This initiative emphasized the importance of education and the transformative power of financial support in shaping futures. Each year, the Dream Vision Fund selects new projects based on community needs, focusing on impactful, sustainable initiatives. Through these efforts, the fund continues to support disadvantaged individuals, reinforcing the belief that empowered individuals can uplift others, creating a ripple effect of generosity, encouragement, and growth within society.
Impact and Future Vision
The Dream Vision Fund represents the journey from dependence to self-reliance, where past beneficiaries become active contributors to societal progress. This transition not only showcases personal growth but also cultivates empathy, responsibility, and a deep sense of community service. The initiative’s success demonstrates the power of collective giving, inspiring others to participate. Moving forward, Make My Dream Foundation aims to expand this model, encouraging more individuals to support meaningful projects. By nurturing this cycle of empowerment and generosity, the foundation envisions a future where more individuals are inspired to create lasting social change.
Student Empowerment - Product Making
Student Empowerment - Product Making
In February 2015, Make My Dream Foundation launched an initiative blending creativity with economic empowerment through handmade paper products. Candidates craft paper bags in various sizes with unique paintings, artistic greeting cards, and creatively designed envelopes. This program provides meaningful engagement, allowing participants to develop practical skills while producing quality products. By turning creativity into opportunity, candidates gain hands-on experience in craftsmanship, product design, and marketing. This initiative fosters independence, builds confidence, and empowers individuals to explore their creative potential while contributing to a larger purpose, demonstrating the transformative power of art in economic and personal growth.
Empowering Candidates Through Skill Development
The initiative enables candidates to earn a modest income, promoting financial independence and self-sufficiency. Beyond financial benefits, the process instills a sense of achievement as candidates see their artistic work appreciated and purchased. They develop skills in creativity, design, and craftsmanship while also learning essential business aspects like marketing and management. Engaging in this entrepreneurial activity equips them with valuable life skills, enhancing their confidence and preparing them for future opportunities. By combining artistic expression with economic gain, this initiative strengthens their self-reliance and opens doors to sustainable livelihoods and professional growth.
Empowering Candidates Through Skill Development
This project serves as a creative rehabilitation tool, helping candidates channel their energy into productive activities while fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment. As the initiative grows, it aims to include more candidates, extending opportunities for self-reliance and artistic exploration. Additionally, revenue generated from product sales contributes to the foundation’s financial sustainability, reducing dependence on external funding. This dual-purpose model benefits both the candidates and the NGO, ensuring long-term stability. By integrating entrepreneurship with rehabilitation, the foundation takes a significant step toward empowering individuals and building a self-sustaining support system for disability inclusion.
Fostering Potential and Creating Joyful Experiences
Many candidates possess hidden artistic talents that remain untapped. This initiative helps uncover and nurture these skills, encouraging self-expression and boosting self-esteem. Engaging in creative work brings immense joy and satisfaction, fostering a positive outlook on their abilities and future. The process of designing, crafting, and selling their products cultivates pride and motivation, reinforcing their confidence. Through this initiative, candidates experience the joy of both creation and contribution, making it a fulfilling journey of self-discovery. This project proves that creativity can be a powerful tool in transforming lives and fostering a culture of resilience and self-belief.
