Education Cameroon Project #42334

Empower Higher Education for Scholars in Cameroon

by Open Dreams

Empower Higher Education for Scholars in Cameroon

Summary

In the midst of an ongoing civil crisis in Cameroon, Open Dreams is opening a new Center in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, replete with computers, desks & books, providing a safe haven for aspiring college scholars to fulfill their academic potential. Despite difficult circumstances, over 50 Open Dreams scholars have overcome long odds to achieve their dream of attaining a full college scholarship. Through this new center, we hope to serve future scholars displaced by this conflict in Yaounde.

$20,000
total goal

$3,175
remaining

94
donors

2
monthly donors

3
years

Challenge

The recent civil unrest in Cameroon, specifically in the English-speaking Northwest region, has sent many of our scholars fleeing from our home base of Bamenda for the safety of their lives, being forced to evacuate. Many of our scholars' lives have been upended with no regular schooling offered over the past 3 years. In response to this tumultuous situation, along with our goals of expanding the presence of Open Dreams across the country, we are establishing a second center in Yaounde.

Solution

Open Dreams prepares aspiring college students from disadvantaged backgrounds through our unique Global Mentorship Model, connecting each scholar with mentors around the world who help them revise essays, explore colleges and majors, write recommendations and give general guidance with regard to the college application process. Our Summer Academy program includes computer programming, public speaking, leadership, entrepreneurship and community service requirements on top of SAT preparation.

Long-Term Impact

"Teach a man to fish rather than give a man a fish". Our scholars are community leaders, visionaries, technologists, entrepreneurs, etc seeking to bring development and innovation to their own communities. Despite difficult circumstances that include constant power outages, over 50 of our scholars have climbed long odds to fulfill their dream of attaining a college scholarship. Educated youth go on to help others in their communities, demonstrating the 'ripple effect' of community development.