Every year, thousands of students graduate high school in South Africa and very few make it to college due to high costs of college.  It is important to know that, for every $5 you donate, all of it will go towards empowering African youth through education. This donation will enable these students to have essential stationary supplies such as books.

In the fall of 2006, Russell Simmons and his delegation went on a 10 day fact finding mission regarding how diamonds have impacted African nations, mainly South Africa and Botswana.  Coming back from this trip, Russell learned how important diamonds were to African communities and this resulted in the formation of the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F). D.E.F is a non profit that Empowers African youth through the provision of higher education.

Reggie Bush, Kim Kardashion, Khloe Kardashian, and Ray Crockett take a July
2009 trip to South Africa and Botswana on behalf of Russell Simmons’ Diamond
Empowerment Fund and visit schools, social programs and diamond sites.
www.diamondempowerment.org

To compliment this video, D.E.F encourages you to make a DONATION and help in the empowerment of African youth. Read below for some ways your donation can help make AFRICAN YOUTH SHINE!

DID YOU KNOW?

In South Africa, 500,000 people graduate from high school each year but less than 3% go on to college.

IF YOU BECOME A DONOR. YOU CAN MAKE THE FOLLOWING HAPPEN:

$25.00: Provides coverage for One students stationary for 1 semester.

$50.00: Provides One student with a meal plan for a month.

$75.00: Provides One student with a dorm living health package, 6 weeks of living supplies.

$125: Provides One student with a housing plan for a 2 months.

$150: Provides One student with book supplies for 1 semester.

$2500: Sponsors a student for 1 year with tuition, room and board and transportation.

$_______ Other(Make a dream come true – the needs are both small and vast.)

CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE

At any level of this donation, a student will receive support towards a four-year Bachelor’s degree and be able to join some of the most empowered young people in South Africa who are prepared to empower themselves and their communities.

(Contributions to the Diamond Empowerment Fund are100% tax-deductible as provided by law.)

Kim, Reggie, Former Botswana President Festus G. Mogae, Ellen, and Reggie’s mom Denise Griffin.
President Mogae, a member of DEF’s Advisory Board, met the team on their first stop at the Motswedi children’s rehabilitation center, excited to welcome them to Botswana. They were honored to be with him and the US Ambassador to Botswana, Stephen Nolan, took the time to share this special visit with them.

Keep updated by joining our online social media networks at by clicking

FACEBOOK and TWITTER.

All photos credit Jemal Countess for the Diamond Empowerment Fund/Getty Images.

Guests and honorees at the Success South Florida Magazine Reception.

R-L. Dexter Bridgeman and Sean Dunn, CEO JR Dunn.

Guests viewing Precious Earth Jewelry.

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND would like to recognize and thank Sean Dunn and Precious Earth Jewelry/ JR Dunn team for making it possible and being a proud supporter of D.E.F! Over $6000.00 was raised for D.E.F. through this initiative!

April 15, 2009

As a South African living in America I was very aware of the political, economic and humanitarian issues that faced my homeland. None of these problems has a quick fix solution. They are not problems that can be fixed by writing a big check, nor by commenting on what we feel should be happening. They can only be solved by getting involved and pledging time, knowledge and of course a hands on approach in order to give back to the country in which I was born and shaped who I am today.

I had been searching for a while for a charitable project that I would like to become involved with but something that had a connection to South Africa. I had been approached on many occasions to support charities which I was happy to do but really wanted to find something that I could connect to and something I really felt was perfect to get behind.

Well I did and now it finds me on a plane from New York to Johannesburg. A few months earlier I had met with Russell Simmons, the founder of Diamond Empowerment Fund. I couldn’t believe I had found an organization that fit what I was looking for so perfectly. Living in New York I had the opportunity to help an organization with an extremely deserving beneficiary in Johannesburg.

The Community and Individual Development Association (CIDA City Campus) in Johannesburg, South Africa is a beacon of hope in South Africa! CIDA is South Africa’s first free university for students who can’t afford the exorbitant fees of regular university.

I was joined in Johannesburg by my father Richard who accompanied me on my first visit to CIDA and the new building, The Maharishi Institute. To be very honest we had no idea what to expect.

The day following my arrival in Johannesburg we set out to visit The Maharishi Institute followed by CIDA City Campus. I think the first thing that struck me was how proud and dedicated the students were. They were proud of where they had come from and proud of where they were. They were so dedicated and I soon learnt what they all hoped to become, doctors, lawyers, accounts and veterinarians etc. Aspirations which are very within their grasps thanks to the DEF.

My father went off and spoke to the guys while I met with the girls. They were amazing! So bright and confident, I had a great time with them. They are so interested in the world and all the opportunities that now are available to them. After I spoke with the girls the boys joined us and we had a session of Q&A and as much as they wanted to know from me I wanted to know so much more from them. Many of their stories brought tears to my eyes!

I learned that very often improvements and maintenance of the property and buildings is actually undertaken by the students themselves. It’s their way of giving back and having pride in the institution that is affording them the opportunity to attain their goals.

We were totally blown away! I can’t put into words just how passionate I am about these kids. I wish we could replicate CIDA a hundred times over. It’s a visionary concept that gives much needed funding to an institution which is helping those who want to help themselves but just do not have the financial resources to make their dreams a reality.

I can’t wait to go back and visit them all and see how they progress.

Given enough funding though I know we can build more schools and open a world to thousands of deserving students who have the potential to soar regardless of the economic background from which they come.

I left with a feeling of great gratitude that I was able to visit CIDA, the students inspired me to do whatever I could to benefit CIDA and the DEF. It’s a remarkable institution and something worthy of your support.

-Nicola

DEF thanks the following for contributing generously to the Diamonds Give 2008 Auction

Jewelry Donors:

Andrea Lucille Designs (Sterling Silver and 18K Gold Earrings)

Andrea Lucille Designs (Sterling Silver Long Calla Lily Earrings)

Ann Arnold, Lieberfarb, Inc. (Shared Prong Diamond Wedding Ring)

Diamond Delight (14K Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace by Diamond Delight)

Diamond Delight (Beautiful White Gold Hoop Diamond Earrings by Diamond Delight)

Diamond Delight (14K Rose Gold Dove Bird Diamond Necklace by Diamond Delight)

Diamond Delight (Elegant Snowflake Diamond Necklace by Diamond Delight)

Diamond Delight (Romantic Heart-Shaped Diamond Necklace by Diamond Delight)

Erica Courtney (Erica Courtney 18K Gold & Diamond Earrings)

Erickson Beamon (Erickson Beamon 18K White Gold Diamond Earrings)

Erykah Badu (Erykah Badu’s Personal Amerykah Rings)

Fortunoff (Gold Bib Style Diamond Necklace from Fortunoff)

Jared the Galleria of Jewelers / Le Vian (14K White and Chocolate Flower Pendant)

Jared the Galleria of Jewelry / North American Jewelers (“Hearts Desire” Ideal Cut Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold)

Jared the Galleria of Jewelry /TAG Heuer (TAG Heuer Timepiece for Him)

KAY Jewelers / Prestige (Champagne and White Diamond Necklace Set in 14K White Gold)

KAY Jewelers / Bel-Oro (Glamorous Two-Toned Beaded Necklace)

KAY Jewelers / Movado (Ladies’ Movado Timepiece)

KAY Jewelers / Rosy Blue (Dangling Diamond “Journey” Necklace )

Kay Jewelers / Verigold (Black and White Diamond Bangle Bracelet)

Kay Jewelers/ Leo Schachter (Beautiful 2 Carat Leo Diamond Solitaire Ring)

Kay Jewelers/Media Imports (Stunning 14K Gold Murano Glass Teardrop Earrings and Necklace)

Natural Color Diamond Association (Champagne Diamond Necklace)

Neil Lane (Neil Lane Diamond and Platinum Leaf Earrings)

Nest Jewelry (Nest Jewelry Faceted Glass Crystal Necklace and Earring Set)

Phyllis Bergman for Mercury Ring Corp. (Phyllis Bergman 14K Yellow Gold Heart Pendant)

Rachelle Dauphinée (Rachelle Dauphinée Kalypso Cuff Bracelet)

Zale Corporation (Simmons Jewelry Co. Men’s Stainless Steel and Diamond Gothic Cross Pendant)

Zale Corporation (Hello Kitty Necklace, Bracelet and Ring Set)

Zale Corporation (liveBID! 2 Carat Celebration Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring)

Zale Corporation (Celebration Diamond Princess Cut Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold)

Zale Corporation (Diamond Chevron Flower Necklace in 14K White Gold)

Zale Corporation (Simmons Jewelry Co. Stainless Steel and Leather Cross Cutout Dog Tag Pendant with Diamond Accent)

Zale Corporation (Simmons Jewelry Co. Men’s Diamond Black Maltese Bracelet)

Zale Corporation (18K White Gold Ribbon Ring with Diamonds & Black Rhodium)

Zale Corporation (2 Carat Diamond Bubble Bracelet in 14K White Gold)

Zale Corporation (Sterling Silver and Diamond Bangle)

Zale Corporation (1.5 CT. T.W. Celebration 3 Stone Framed Ring in 18K White Gold)

Zale Corporation (Celebration Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold)

Zale Corporation, Matthew Fortgang (One of a Kind 18K Gold and Argentium Silver Flower Pendant with 2.33 Carat Sable Black Diamond)

Merchandise Donors:

Angel Sanchez (Cocktail Dress by Angel Sanchez)

Courtney Russell (Couture Hand-Made Gown by Courtney Russell for August Alexander)

Eva Longoria Parker (Dress from Eva Longoria Parker’s Wardrobe)

Farandey (Prosperity Bronze Sculptures by Karim Sana from Burkina Faso)

Kim Kardashian (Navy Blue Gown Worn by Kim Kardashian)

LaTonya S. Piñon, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics (Bobbi Brown Makeup Package)

Mary Katherine Fickel (My Tree, Painting by Mary Katherine Fickel)

Mikki Mallow (Billie Holiday Painting by Mikki Mallow)

Steinmetz (Steinmetz Monaco Grand Prix Trophy with Diamonds)

Vegan Queen (Vegan Queen No. 5 Diamond Bag & Mini Diamond Bag Collections)

Experiences Donors:

DJ Cassidy (Two Hour Private Set with DJ Cassidy)

Good Charlotte (4 Tickets to Good Charlotte and Meet the Band!)

Ker & Downey Journeys of Distinction (Diamond Empowerment Safari in Southern Africa)

Kimora Lee Simmons & Baby Phat (Life in Your Own Fab Lane with Kimora Lee Simmons)

Magic Johnson (Magic Johnson Lakers Experience)

N9NE GROUP (Las Vegas Escape: Enjoy The Palms, N9NE Steakhouse & The Playboy Club)

Pat & Emmitt Smith (Lunch or Dinner for 4 with Pat & Emmitt Smith in Dallas, TX)

Paul Coyne (Extreme Motor Sports Experience for 4 at any 2009 Formula D Event)

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Spa (Synergy 7 Facial with Celebrity Esthetician, Renee Rouleau)

Rose’s Mojito Cocktail Mix (Two Tickets to the Screening & After-Party of Cadillac Records Starring Beyoncé & Adrien Brody in NYC on December 1, 2008)

Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, HYT ME Estate, American Airlines (Hamptons Weekend Getaway – Attend Art For Life 2009, Stay at the HYT ME Estate in Bridgehampton, and Fly on American Airlines)

Russell Simmons (Practice Yoga with Russell Simmons)

Schlegel Woy Management, Vertical Sports Group (Two Tickets to the Hottest 2009 Super Bowl Party, Leather & Laces, Hosted by Kim Kardashian & Carmen Electra)

The Bonnie Hunt Show (4 VIP Tickets to The Bonnie Hunt Show)

Tre Wilcox (Private Cooking Lesson with Top Chef Contestant Tre Wilcox)

This Beautiful Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet Features:

• 12 genuine blue oval sapphires
• 48 round diamonds
• Stone size: 4.0 x 3.0
• Stone class: genuine
• Stone setting: 4-prong
• Length: 7.0 inches
• Chain type: fashion
• Clasp type: box
• Metal color: white
• Metal type: sterling silver

Click here to Donate Now!

D.E.F. thanks the following for donating music rights for use in the D.E.F. Profiles video series and other projects:

• The Marksmen
• DJ Dillon McKay for Monster Truck Audio