The feature this week on the Dream Builders Learning Centre contains some powerful lessons for us. First and perhaps foremost, it shows that there are still some among us who believe they are their brother's keepers, who have enough faith in their fellow beings that they're able to tackle the challenging work of dealing with youngsters essentially rejected by the regular state sanctioned system. They have the courage to look beyond the hurt and anger, beyond the despair and defiance to see the promise of the person within. And, they have the courage and strength to offer assistance. Often their help is met with cheerless rejection. Sometimes their only reward a sullen acceptance of their presence. The occasionally experience success when they see they've made a difference in some young person's life.
The youth that come to them have been kicked out of the regular school system for a variety of dysfunctional behaviors. They can be violent. They are defiant and unruly. They can't or won't follow established academic rules and practices. Some are downright criminal. Others have mental or emotional difficulties brought about by abuse and/or neglect. Some are hungry. Some are tired. Others are referred to them by the courts or social agencies. All need help whether they request it or not.
However, the most amazing thing about the Dream Builders Learning Centre is not the kind of people they serve. Nor is it the dedicated, committed staff who truly want to believe that they can and do make a difference. It isn't the way the community businesses, organizations and agencies contribute to and support the school and its program.
The truly amazing fact is that the youth attending the centre still believe in themselves and the system. Though shunned by the system and many in the community, they continue to believe enough to attend school on a more or less regular basis and work toward whatever form of success they seek. They still have a dream and they still have the courage to pursue it. That's the truly amazing lesson for us all.
