“Dreams Amid Darkness: Uniting to Ignite the Future”
#UnwrapYourDream on December 22nd
In the midst of global strife in places like Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine, our children are not merely bystanders — they’re absorbing, feeling, and often silently enduring its heavy vibrations. And as if that isn’t enough, the lingering shadow of the pandemic refuses to fade. More kids seem to be retreating into their shells, sharing less of their world and holding onto their emotions tighter than ever before. As our children navigate these stormy times, their dreams — delicate and untainted — shine as beacons in the darkness. Their innocence adds a precious vulnerability to their journey, prompting us to ask:
“How can we keep the flame of their dreams burning bright?”
December 22nd arrives with a whisper of promise as we introduce #UnwrapYourDream, a day we’ve dedicated to nurturing and safeguarding the dreams of children worldwide. To grasp the importance and impact of this endeavor, let’s delve into a heartwarming story that perfectly illustrates why your involvement becomes a potent necessity in this endeavor.
In the darkest hours, it’s our dreams and hopes that cast a light, reminding us of the boundless possibilities ahead. It’s not just about weathering the current storms, but sowing seeds of hope, making sure every child’s ability to dream remains intact.
This spark of hope is beautifully illustrated through the life of Tererai Trent. Born into stark adversity in a village without access to running water or electricity, where women were routinely denied an education, Tererai faced a future that seemed predetermined. Married off at the age of 11 to an abusive partner, she quickly became a mother multiple times over, all before reaching adulthood. Her life was fast slipping into a tale of endless despair.
But everything changed when someone asked her about her dreams. Despite the shackles of her society, Tererai allowed herself to dream big. She envisioned a life of education, going to university, the United States, and eventually making a global impact and giving back to her community.
Fearing the backlash, she visualized her dreams on a piece of paper and buried it in a tin can beneath a tree. It was more than just a symbolic act; it was her pact with destiny. Her dreams, safeguarded beneath the earth, were allowed to “grow” in secret. This small act of rebellion fueled her journey against all odds. Against the weight of tradition and societal expectations, two decades later, she achieved the impossible: earning her Ph.D. and emerging as a UN Women Ambassador, championing the cause close to her heart.
Tererai’s tale is a striking reminder of the untapped potential within each one of us, regardless of the hurdles in our path. It emphasizes not just the power of dreaming but also the need for a safe space where these dreams can take root and flourish, altering life’s course.
Inspired by Tererai’s story, we launched the #TweetaDream campaign in 2014. From earthquake-stricken Nepal to classrooms across 35 countries, the magic of dreams was palpable. Of the 25,000+ children visualizing their dreams for the future one memory from Nepal still warms my heart. Amidst ruins, in a refugee camp, the dreams we nurtured became a ray of hope for orphaned children. Their resilience reignited our belief in the transformative power of dreams.
While in Poland, I bonded with a refugee family facing financial hardships. Their twelve-year-old daughter, undeterred by the language barriers she faced in school, revealed to me her dream of becoming a cardiologist, born from the pain of watching her mother suffer a heart attack. This determination, well beyond her years, led her to earn a red ribbon — the highest award for academic excellence in Poland. Her dream isn’t just about a career; it’s a beacon of hope and a heartfelt commitment to giving back to those in need.
As the world grapples with one challenge after another, our mission to amplify and support the dreams of children worldwide has never been more crucial.
Visualize a child amidst the chaos of the outer world who finds sanctuary in a simple piece of paper and crayons, creating a universe where their dreams have wings.
Your school or your company can be the sanctuary where these dreams take flight.
Join Us on December 22nd: A Day to #UnwrapYourDream
Christmas is a season filled with warmth, love, and the spirit of giving. This year, amidst the joyous celebrations, we extend an invitation to share a truly special gift with the world: the empowerment of our children to visualize and believe in their dreams.
The driving force behind our initiative is the boundless potential harbored within every child. Inspired by powerful tales like Tererai Trent’s, we grasp the transformative might of dream visualization. On this special day, we rally communities, schools, startups, churches, and individuals with a singular purpose: to assure children everywhere that their dreams are not only valid but also cherished and within reach.
From kindergartens to secondary schools, we extend tools and sparks to kindle dreams of all sizes. Our dream? A world where every youthful aspiration is acknowledged and supported, transforming dreams into bridges towards a brighter, shared tomorrow.
Are you a parent, teacher, edtech entrepreneur, corporate professional, or community leader?
We need your energy and passion. Engage with us. Visit our website, get inspired on our community page, learn how you can play a role, and mark your community’s presence on the global dream map.
This Christmas, while gifts are unwrapped, let’s unveil a world where children’s dreams shine brightest. Together, let’s craft a tapestry teeming with dreams, hope, and boundless promise.
