In the Eastern Cape, dreaming of a better future is something many young people can’t afford.
Even before COVID-19, youth unemployment in the region was over 76%.
Many never completed school. Some never learned to read or write.
For them, imagining a different future feels out of reach.
The Dreamers’ Fund changes that.
“Eastern Cape’s children are starving.”
– Daily Dispatch, May 2023
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Youth in the region are caught in cycles of poverty, hunger, and exclusion – but they are still dreaming.
Making Dreams a Reality
What We Do
Through the Ikamva Lolutsha Programme, Ubunye’s first goal is simple:
Encourage young people to dream.
Then, we walk beside them – providing training, mentorship, and practical tools to help turn those dreams into action.
Since April 2021, Ubunye has supported over 47 young women, helping them to:
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DREAM – BUILD A LIFE PLAN – GET ON TRACK
But sometimes, they need more than guidance – they need a little capital to take the first step.
The Dreamers’ Fund
A micro-grant fund that provides seed money to help young people put their Life Plans into motion.
How It Works:
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Ikamva members develop and submit their Life Plan
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A team of assessors reviews submissions against fair, transparent criteria
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Selected members receive up to R3,000 in funding at key milestones in their plan
Seed funding helps cover things like:
• Transport to a job interview
• Books for a new course
• Equipment for a start-up business
• Mobile data for remote learning
• Uniforms for a new job
Choose Your Impact
R3,000
(US$167 / £128)
Fund One Dreamer
Gives one young person the startup funding to pursue their dream
R6,000
(US$334 / £256)
Support Two Dreamers
Supports two dreamers with seed funding at key stages of their Life Plan
R15,000
(US$835 / £640)
Empower Five Dreamers
Provides mentorship and seed capital to five young people
Help Us Light the Way
YOU?
SPARKED
FULLY LIT
GETTING BRIGHTER
TAKING SHAPE
As support comes in, our lightbulb fills up, and every donor who contributes is recognised right here.
Want to be the first to flip the switch?
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Each donation to the Dreamers’ Fund lights up a young person’s path – from a dream to a plan, and from a plan to action.
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Goal: 5 Dreamers Funded
Raised So Far: 0 Dreamers
GLOWING STRONG
What We Commit To Deliver:
Transparent impact reporting
Follow the journey of your support through blog posts, video updates, and even in-person visits
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Training and mentoring every participant
Ensuring each young person is equipped to dream, plan, and take action
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Ongoing support
Providing coaching, encouragement, and guidance as they overcome challenges and celebrate their wins
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Growing the Dreamers’ Fund
To ensure fair access, sustainability, and support for many more young people in the years ahead