“I Have A Dream for Nepal”
by Cassie Jendzejec and Avi David
The inspiration for the ‘I Have a Dream for Nepal’ recording, created by participants of NEST’s Children’s Camp, came from Professor Muhammad Yunus’ philosophy that “a better world starts with imagination.” Despite breath-taking beauty, hardworking citizens, a powerful community-oriented spirit and plentiful natural resources, Nepal is a country struggling to develop political, social and economic stability. It is easy for any of us, from any culture, to recognize the problems that we face in our daily lives, but very rarely do we take the time to imagine what our world would actually look and feel like if there were solutions to our problems. In order to overcome the obstacles we face and make sustainable changes, it is essential to develop a vision for a better world. We asked participants of the Children’s Camp to imagine their ideal world. What would it look like? What would your daily life be like? How can we get there? What can you, as an individual, do immediately to begin to actualize your ideal world? Over the course of the Children’s Camp, we examined Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, discussed the problems Nepalese citizens face, reflected on aspects of an effective leader, and envisioned a better, healthier Nepal. On final day of the camp, we brought in a microphone and set the students loose with their thoughts and dreams. This is what they had to say…