The DREAM Franchise
The main objective of this initiative is to capture the interest of children, particularly those living in disadvantaged circumstances such as poverty, to help them envision and reach a better future, thereby benefiting them, their families and their communities. The CSf ‘DREAM’ initiative does this using Science Fiction Prototyping, a methodology taken, literally, straight out of the pages of science-fiction but with the credibility of some of the worlds largest companies. This method is simple and cheap enough as to allow all children, irrespective of their financial situation, to participate since it simply involves writing short stories or drawing pictures that depict gadgets, the world or circumstances they would like to create.
These stories (or drawings) become a prototype that a child can go on to develop through various means. In our case, using Science Fiction Prototyping, we focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Once the children have developed their stories or drawings and depending on the child’s age and wishes, we take them through the full development path from paper prototypes to full working devices based on ‘Maker’ ideas that involve 3D printing, electronic construction and computer programming (although this is all modularised so that the level of detailed involved can be adjusted to suit a particular child).
To motivate children to think about the future, we use themes technology-oriented themes, from robots to intelligent houses and beyond, but the methodology can be adapted to other topics. This fits well with our ambition to reduce the financial barriers to STEAM education, so as to enable every child to get the education needed to allow them to realise their full potential.
How to get involved?
Our journey has only just begun and we would welcome the participation and help of anyone that is interested and able to assist us in this mission. Our aim is to establish a franchise of groups in different countries, building on the first group: DREAM Mexico.
In particular, we are looking for:
- Teachers who are willing to offer CSf DREAM workshops (in any country), or
- Companies/individuals who would sponsor some of the robot kits we give the children at the workshops (and allow them to keep, so they may continue their work beyond the workshops).
If you are interested in running a workshop in your country or you would like to sponsor material for a workshop please contact us.
About the CSf DREAM Initiative
The CSf DREAM initiative arose from work that Dr Victor Zamudio began in Mexico, in 2016, helping children to escape the trap of low expectations, that poverty can cause.
He had a dream, where people that have been more fortunate in life, particularly those from Science & Engineering who owe their success to education, would be empowered to ‘offer a helping hand’ to show those who dream of better lives, that education coupled with science and engineering can provide the means to change their future. Thus he started the ‘Dream Initiative’ which he now directs.