Bringing Generations together - A Journey of Shared Dreams at Hijli Para!

[Adila Karim]

On 29th December, 2024, a community-level Dream Building session was held in Byaspur Hijli Para with 33 community members (6 grandparents, 9 parents and 18 children) in attendance. The event began with heartfelt appreciation, particularly for Afsana Apa’s family, the grandparents, and the participants in Hijlipara who have taken initiative and brought everyone together.

The participants included grandparents, parents, and children. Special invitees Tanzila and Sakiba from Dokkhinpara, who are aspiring SALT facilitators, and Mousumi from Hijli para, who provides tuition support to 15 children in her home, were also present. They were invited to observe the session and gain a deeper understanding of its process.

After an introduction, the participants were divided into small groups to encourage interaction and collaboration. Each group consisted of one grandparent, one parent, one adolescent and one young child. A total of six to seven groups were formed, providing an opportunity for everyone to share personal stories, appreciate each other's strengths, and identify collective abilities. 

Later the strengths were discussed, which included qualities like awareness, generosity, intelligence, courage, confidence, perseverance, and resilience. The strengths were noted on a board for everyone to see and celebrate.

For the dreambuilding session, participants were reorganized into 3 specific groups:
1. Grandparents
2. Parents
3. Children

Then these 3 groups were asked a question -
Question to the Grandparents: “What is your dream for your grandchildren?”
Question to the Parents: “What is your dream for your children?”
Question to the children: “What is your dream?”

Using paper, colored pencils, and markers, the groups engaged in envisioning their dreams. Younger children drew freely, while the older participants articulated their aspirations more formally on the board. 

Each group presented their dreams to the larger gathering, bringing mutual understanding and appreciation. Common themes emerged across groups, and some even listed accomplishments they had already achieved.

Dadadadir Shopno - Nati Natnider niye
(Grandparents' Dream - About Grandchildren)

May they grow up to be ideal people.

• What are we doing:
  • Telling stories to help them disconnect from their phones and negative influences, fostering intergenerational bonding and unity among neighbors.
• What will we do from now on?
  • Every first and third Monday of the month, we will tell stories to the grandchildren.
  • We will create a shade so that the children can read during the rainy season.

One notable outcome was the grandparents’ decision to hold storytelling sessions twice a month - first Monday and third Monday of the month, a commitment that excited everyone, especially the children.

 

Baba-Ma der Shopno
(Parents’ Dream - About their Children)

The parents have written strong dreams for their children, covering 14 different points.

1. Let them be educated in good education.
2. Let them be kind and helpful to others.
3. They will obey their parents.
4. Let them stay away from mobile phones.
5. Let them follow an ideal code of conduct.
6. Let a healthy environment for recreation be created for them.
7. Let our village have a beautiful playground.
8. If our village had a library, boys and girls could learn better.
9. Let unity be created among everyone in the village.
10. Let our village be developed as an ideal village.
11. Let our children be educated in religious teachings.
12. Let our children stay away from drug addiction.
13. Let us raise our children to be good citizens.
14. Let them be entitled to a noble character.

They have also made a commitment that 

• They will gather all the children every day for activities and tuition. 
• If Afsana Apa is absent, they will take the responsibility of teaching the children and will not place the entire burden on her.

Bacchader Shopno
(Childrens’ Dream)

• Another highlight was the children's collective dream of establishing a Learning Center, led by Afsana Apa.  The students’ enthusiasm showcased the strong influence she has on their lives. Afsana Apa was deeply inspired by witnessing their dreams. 
• They also mentioned that they want an opportunity where they could read stories and listen to stories from grandparents more. 
• The children want a proper playground where they all can play and spend time. 

The session ran from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, creating an environment of mutual respect and collaboration. The event concluded with strengthening bonds and leaving everyone feeling inspired. 

AER

What went well

• It was wonderful to see parents, grandparents, and children each having their own space to share dreams and ideas. This allowed everyone to express their thoughts in a meaningful way.
• The interest and excitement shown by everyone who attended made the session successful and showed their care for the community.

What Could Be Better

• There were very few men in the session. If more men joined, the discussions could have been even better with different ideas and views. However, in this area, most of the men live in Dhaka.
• To help parents focus more during the session, we could plan activities like drawing or reading for the toddlers to keep them busy. 

[Adila Karim]

Thank you so much Manira Apa. 

Rituu, grandparents' dream: May their Grandchildren grow up to be ideal people. Thank you for reading. 

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Thanks a lot for the detailed blog. What is the dream of the grandparents?

[Manira khanam]

Thank  you very Much Adila apu. This was really awesome.