Assessing the Effectiveness of the D.R.E.A.M. Program: Fostering Resilience and Life Skills in Vulnerable Adolescents in Bogotá, Colombia

This study presents an in-depth analysis of the D.R.E.A.M. (Developing Resilience and Empowering Adaptive Minds) program, an initiative aimed at enhancing life skills and resilience among adolescents. The intervention followed a quasi-experimental design, involving 20 adolescents in an experimental group and 18 in a control group, all from marginalized communities in Bogotá, Colombia. Quantitative data were collected through validated self-assessment scales measuring resilience (Notario-Pacheco et al., 2011), emotion regulation (Gross and John, 2003), and self-esteem (Rosenberg, 1989). Although quantitative results did not demonstrate statistically significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group, qualitative insights revealed positive trends in self-awareness, emotional expression, and personal goal-setting. The findings highlight the challenges and opportunities of implementing psychosocial programs in fragile socio-economic environments. They emphasize the need for holistic, culturally sensitive approaches that engage not only adolescents but also their families, schools, and broader communities.