![DreamAfrica Logo - text only [bright background]](/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/DreamAfrica-Logo-text-only-bright-background.png){kind=logo}
December 6, 2015
Mr. Odhiambo told me he taught a class at one of the Bridge International Academies. His school is in Baba Ndogo. He tells me how the school is in the “ghetto” but he feels so inspired when he shows up everyday to teach at the school. He had never taught before but jump at the opportunity to go for training to become a Bridge International Academies teacher. A friend had tipped him on the opportunity. Together with thousands of other trainees they went to a training conference in Nakuru where they were told only few would graduate and be selected to become a teacher. That was two years ago. Mr. Odhiambo tells me that his students look up to him. They had never met a lawyer before. He tells them that he is studying to become a lawyer and he will one day achieve his dreams. I tell him how I founded a company called DreamAfrica who’s mission is to let kids around the world know that circumstances do not rule their destiny. He says that I must visit his students. I take him up on his offer. The following week I drive to Baba Ndogo. We drive through the small industrial town as we get closer to the residential homes. You can immediately tell it is a poor neighborhood. We park the car outside at the small gate of the school and walk in. Inside we meet the most vibrant kids and teachers. I find myself inspired. I talk […]
December 6, 2015
It was only 2 days before the TEEP conference. I did not have my visa nor my ticket. I called TEEP officials and they informed me that there was no way they were going to buy a ticket unless I provided my Nigeria visa. I had sent my passport with my visa application almost 2 weeks ago. I had even applied for the expedited processing. It was supposed to take less than a week and yet I had neither heard anything from he visa office nor seen anything in the mail. I was getting worried; and that is an understatement. I figured I had to visit the visa office in New York since calling the office had not be fruitful. Either no one would answer or I would get the office closed. I took some time off to run to make the two hour drive. I got to the office early in the morning at 9am. The room was crowded. There was barely any room to stand. I found a spot next to this Nigerian gentleman who was narrating to me the story of how it has taken him almost a month to renew his passport. I braced myself expecting this to be the longest day this week. When my turn finally came about an hour later, I walked up to the window where I explained that I had applied for a rush visa but had not gotten any updates. The lady at the window gestured me to go to […]
October 22, 2015
By Franco Abott CTO DreamAfrica Anyone interested in being part of Africa’s story in the future should read The Next Africa. In their new book released July 2015, Co-Authors Jake Bright and Aubrey Hruby walk us through Africa, past and present, outlining challenges and opportunities that will define the future of this great and vast continent. Entrepreneurship is at the forefront of African growth and economic progress. For example, its fashion and culture are getting global recognition. Nigerian-born Duro Olowu is making African-inspired dresses that both African and New York women love. Even Michelle Obama can be frequently spotted wearing a Duro Dress. In “The Next Africa,” Jake and Aubrey show how the best way to help Africa is to invest in Africa. Even if you are not an investor, however, you can buy a Duro Dress! Long has been the story of Aid and Non-profit dominance in Africa… But in addition to growing entrepreneurship, big business is arriving in Africa, too. Now Subway, KFC, Dominos, and Cold Stone Creamery are quickly opening shops in Kenya. As are many others. As an entrepreneur and a geek, I aspire be a part of Africa’s story where Africans not only embrace “Africapitalism” to own their destiny but to leverage and contribute to global technology, just as Duro is doing in fashion!
October 21, 2015
African Folktales: Preserving African Culture, One Story at a Time The African Folktales and Stories that we share at DreamAfrica relive the past, celebrate the present, and create a future of African cultural awareness. Our platform provides parents, teachers, and travelers a customized global experience of creating and engaging crowd-sourced African folktales through text, audio, video, and games. Our African stories for children preserve the rich culture and history of Africa. These folktales have been passed down from generation to generation, giving us unique variations on these stories. DreamAfrica is proud to create an interactive outlet to share and discover the deep roots of Mother Africa. Whether you read our stories, play our games, or watch our videos, we’re excited to introduce you to our culture! African Stories for Children African stories for children began as an oral tradition of folktales. These stories would be passed down and changed over the years, resulting in unique variations on each tale. With The Pearl Dream, we hope to bring together these stories in all forms of media and introduce our children to African culture. Sharing our cultural connections with one another has never been easier than in today’s digital age. Watch our African videos for kids, share your favorite African recipes, or create your own African folktales, our interactive community will welcome your creative additions with open arms. African Videos for Kids! All of our stories, games, and African videos for kids span across multiple platforms, devices, and languages, creating a global […]
![DreamAfrica Logo [bright background]](/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/DreamAfrica-Logo-bright-background-e1444792304575.png){kind=logo}
August 4, 2015
rabottyoga: Goodbye, cubicle! This Friday will be my last day at my corporate job. The last day I will sit at a desk for 8 hours straight. The last day I will wake up at 6:30, put on formal clothes, and spend the majority of the day on something that my heart and soul are not 100% behind. Giving up my full-time job is scary. There are so many uncertainties. But I know it will feel so freeing to know that I can now devote all of my time and energy to what I truly love and feel passionate about. My days will soon be filled with yoga, exploration, studying, building my business, and helping people become healthier, more inspired, and empowered to pursue their dreams. My uniform will be yoga pants, shorts and sandals, bathing suits. I won’t be sitting for 8 hours, but will be flowing, stretching, pushing my muscles to their limits, traveling, meeting clients, connecting.