Dream Factory gives young women
a future perspective.
The Dream Factory Foundation began its journey in Cape Town in 2011, founded by Lusanda Magwape and Laurian Jamie Nortje. Their work in under-resourced schools revealed how limited access to quality education traps young people in cycles of poverty. Out of this insight, the #BeTheDream program was born. Blending mentorship, the “Dream Tool Kit,” and entrepreneurial training, the program equips youth—particularly young women from disadvantaged backgrounds—with the skills and confidence to shape their futures. The Foundation champions self-efficacy, career readiness, and social responsibility as cornerstones of lasting change.
Many young people in the townships and rural regions of the Western Cape are affected by poverty, unemployment and lack of prospects. Young women in particular, between the ages of 18 and 25, face major hurdles when transitioning into adulthood.
The Dream Factory addresses this issue: With innovative education and targeted mentoring, it creates future prospects and social participation for a generation that would otherwise have little opportunity in the job market.
With the Emergent Business and Coding Academy, the Dream Factory Foundation has developed a program that prepares young people aged 18 to 25 for digital professions and entrepreneurship. At least 70% of the 40 training places are reserved for young women – an active contribution to greater equal opportunities in the technology industry.
The one-year curriculum combines practical skills in IT, coding, business development and personal development. Each participant is supported by mentors and gains practical experience, including in cooperation with the Western Cape Department of Education.
The aim is to open up sustainable career paths for young people, promote their economic independence and strengthen their social participation.
The Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation supports the program by financing infrastructure and specialist staff.
Nomfundo Kafesu
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