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
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