December 22, 2022
Dream The Change CIC is celebrating an incredible year
We will remember 2022 as one of the most successful so far for Dream The Change CIC.
A Graduation and a Grant for Dream The Change CIC
December 01, 2022
Jemal has not only improved her business skills through the Programme, but Dream The Change Community Interest Company (DTC) has received £4,000.
"I’m delighted to have done the SSE Trade Up programme,” said Jemal.
“DTC is also grateful for this funding and on behalf of our team and community, I would like to say a big “thank you”."
How The Programme Helped Jemal
Jemal said on the programme she had learnt that:
- Experience is the best teacher.
- One of the criteria for success in sales is mindset.
- “Just do it”
Jemal added, “It was an interesting process where people from diverse backgrounds worked together on issues through the combined efforts and commitment, shared ideas in a supportive environment.”
“We learnt how to ask the right questions and it helped me to challenge my perceptions and as a result think and act differently.”
Jemal’s Top tip for Social Entrepreneurs
When asked what her top tip was for Social Entrepreneurs after completing the programme, Jemal said,
“Hire people who have your cause in their heart!
“The right people will lead your business to the change you dream about. Spend a good amount of time looking for and evaluating them. Make sure they are as passionate about your vision and mission as you are.
“A stable business requires a good foundation of people. Knowledge and skills can be gained over time but passion, attitude, determination and sharing core values for your company’s success cannot picked up through training.”
How DTC used the £4,000 grant
DTC received half the grant (£2,000) at the beginning of the programme and used it to run sport sessions, paying for sport coaches and renting venue.
The balance (£2,000) was received at the end of the programme and will be used to organise more activities for children, like art classes.
Jemal said, “We found a specialist with SEND background to run a “Creation station” class and we have already booked a “Festive slime making” for December.”
At the graduation ceremony, the Entrepreneurship Facilitator, Tofik Saad sent a message to everyone who graduated from the programme.
He said, “I am very honoured to have had the pleasure of being part of your journey on this programme, and I wish you the very best for the future and to continue to be driven so that your organisations have the impact that they should”.
Louise Garner, Head of grants wished Jemal well and said, “Keep up the great work!”
Jemal had to pass through a 3-stage selection process to win a place on the programme, which encourages applications from social entrepreneurs from a variety of backgrounds.
Those with a passion to change things for the better in their communities, especially those who face systemic barriers, are encouraged to apply.
DTC was an ideal organisation for the Programme as it was established to bridge the gap between families from diverse backgrounds, who have children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and service providers.
Unlike some other programmes, the SSE Trade Up Programme does not involve traditional methods of learning like using textbooks and examinations, but encourages students learn from their own and their peers’ experiences.
Building networks and learning with the help of facilitators who challenge their ideas, is the main ethos of the Programme.
Other News
June 21, 2022
Ask the Expert - Some of Your Questions Answered
Jeannie Gordon, the Principal and Executive Director from the Ministry of Parenting kindly agreed to answer the questions for you. As a psychiatric nurse with both residential and community experience, she is an expert in this field of working with children with SEND.