PROJECTS
RedCap Foundation in partnership with the Institute of Dreambuilders, introduced a project which teaches self development as part of the Life Orientation curriculum for Grades 10-12 learners. The Dreambuilders Project is currently being tested in 10 High schools across the country, with the aim to educate young people on soft skills and values such as ethics, ambition, confidence, teamwork, responsibility and motivation.
Our dream is to see this nation prosper as a result of young men and women who are able to be responsible citizens, who will say ''no" to crime, drugs, unethical practices and harming the environment AND yet at the same time say ''yes" to pursuing theirdream, making their life count, being an example at school, home and in the community and ''yes" to seeing the full length and breadth of their potential being released for the greater good of our country.
Many young people are struggling with social battles such as unemployed parents, poverty, HIV/Aids and the affects thereof, verbal and physical abuse, drugs and gangsters, teenage pregnancies, violence and crime. They live under these conditions and believe that their own future will be the same.
A baseline assessment conducted with grade 10 learners showed that although some learners are motivated about the future and have a clear understanding of what is expected of them, they face obstacles that may seem insurmountable to overcome. We identified the need for learners to understand the benefits and value of completing school, to be taught how to motivate themselves and work hard, how to practically overcome their obstacles and how to identify and address the root causes of peer pressure and negative influences from both friends and family.
In order to develop an intervention that is sustainable, we work with Grades 10, 11 and 12 learners, principals and educators in each school. Educators and principals attend training sessions which is focused on building their capacity to continue the project in their schools.
In 2007, phase one of the Dreambuilders Project was successfully facilitated to approximately 3200 learners in Grade 10 in 10 High Schools in South Africa. Phase two for Grade 11"s is currently in progress.
''The dreambuilders really changed the way I think and react in the classroom. They"ve shown me a new way of life." Grade 10A learner from Centenary High School in Durban
A Hillview Secondary Grade 10 learner, Nokukhanya Mbonambi says "Through this dreambuilders programme, I have learnt a lot and I"ve discovered who I am and what I can achieve in my life. I have discovered that I have a lot of potential. I want to work hard and achieve everything I want to in life."
