The Dad Fund takes part in a number of community projects to ensure that we give back to those around us. This philanthropy is our way of saying  “thank you” and can help everyone improve their own lives. It is important to us to continue the cycle of giving, thereby enriching the lives of others and encouraging them to do the same.

Through all of our programs we endeavour to leave a lasting message behind that will have a impact on the school children. We share stories, times, people, experiences that have changed our lives or made us who we are today. We want to continue the cycle and inspire each other on a daily basis.

Dad Fund Intern-To-School Program

This program concentrates on bringing local and international interns to volunteer at participating schools for youth-development empowerment, cultural and geographical teaching focusing on international awareness and a focused curriculum to teach basic media-related skills (writing, photography, etc.) to help promote self expression and concepts of media for social change.  This project additionally focuses on an interactive media website to showcase the experience while also promoting the personal creativity and unique perspectives of youth.

• Interns will dedicate one day a week to volunteering on school premises to mentor and teach students.

• A specific time during this day will be devoted to the Media Project section of the program.  This will be a time to focus on sharing media related skills while also building the interactive page for the Dad Fund website.  This media project will include photography, videography and other visual web page elements.  This website will spotlight positive youth perspectives of the students in underprivileged areas and how they feel about life.

• An additional goal is to stimulate more interest in the project, both from national and international visitors, to gain more support. 

DreamGirls International Outreach and Mentoring Program

College is not just a dream, it's a plan

The objective is to promote the enrolment and success of young women in institution of higher education, through the empowering of young women by community role models and leaders in society.

Goals:

• To provide access to information about admissions and programs of higher education.
• To motivate young women in order to increase enrollment in institutions of higher education.
• To instill the importance of getting higher education.
• To facilitate activities for young women to get firsthand knowledge of life at a higher education.
• To implement a structure that will encourage women to fulfil their full potential.
• To provide opportunities for volunteer work in order to help the community.

Who?

• Young women: in preparation of getting a higher education: ages 14-20 years.
• Mentors/advisors: successful women who are either in the process of receiving higher education or have already attended and who show leadership skills and community involvement.

How?

• Presentation in schools and community.
• Face to face interaction between university students/mentors and the students
• Social and academic activities at school, universities and communities.
• Community service.

Action Planning

• The DreamGirls Society will be set up in all 23 universities in South Africa and will launch at the beginning of 2012.
• Members of the DreamGirls club will be ambassadors in designated areas, and will travel to start implementing the project in schools and communities.
• Recruiting mentors/advisors
• Prepare a proper presentation for schools, and the community.
• Implement and organize group meetings with facilities and materials.

DreamGirls’ Ambassadors’ Role

• To get information about higher education opportunities and structure in designated countries with help of specific contact persons (from schools for example).
• To ensure the proper selection and training of mentors/advisors.
• To assure a safe environment for open dialogue and discussion.