Vibha, a prominent non-profit organization, hosted an exclusive screening of the documentary “The Audacity to Dream” at the Beverly Hills Library. Directed by Sharon Angel, this poignant film follows Manisha, a young girl from rural South India, who overcomes immense obstacles to pursue her educational dreams. The documentary emphasizes the transformative power of education and the urgent need for reform within the American public school system.
The event drew influential figures in education and social advocacy. Monika Erande, a dedicated Board Member of Vibha, hosted the screening. Erande has made significant contributions to education in India and is deeply committed to Vibha’s mission of empowering underprivileged children,she emphasized: “English serves as a global language, essential for international communication. In the context of India, higher education often takes place in English, making it crucial for children to learn the language to access better educational opportunities.”
Sharon Angel, the director of “The Audacity to Dream”shared her motivations for creating the documentary. She was inspired after hearing Manisha’s story from Ashwini Kumar, the CEO of Vibha. “Manisha’s aspiration to become a doctor, despite facing significant obstacles due to a lack of opportunities, resonated deeply with me. Having been born in the same state of Tamil Nadu in India and having benefited from educational opportunities myself, I felt a personal connection to her journey,” Sharon explained.
Through her company, A North Production, Angel focuses on creating narratives that heal and inspire change. Her work on “The Audacity to Dream” underscores the fundamental human right to education and highlights how organizations like Vibha provide quality education and English literacy, boosting the confidence and capabilities of girls like Manisha.
The documentary was filmed in both India and Los Angeles, aiming to shed light on the critical need for quality education in public schools. Sharon advocated for educational reforms in the United States to ensure children are equipped with essential skills, such as communication, that are vital for their future success in an increasingly technological world. She expressed hope that the film would inspire collaborations between parents, teachers, and various stakeholders to nurture children’s unique talents and identities, preparing them for prosperous futures.
Stella Inger-Escobedo, an Emmy award-winning journalist and education activist, also attended the screening. Inger-Escobedo’s extensive career in investigative journalism has illuminated crucial educational issues, aligning with the documentary’s call for systemic change.
Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian’s participation underscored the support of local government in addressing educational challenges. Her presence signified a commitment to fostering community-driven solutions for education reform.
“The Audacity to Dream” not only highlights the challenges faced by American children in an under-equipped education system but also serves as a call to action for stakeholders to collaborate and drive meaningful change. Vibha hopes the documentary will inspire individuals to advocate for equitable education and support initiatives that break down barriers to learning.
To know more about Vibha and “The Audacity to Dream” visit the links below:
The Audacity to Dream
Vibha
Pic Credit : Yasir Habeeb
