In 2009, D.E.F. made its first grant to the African Leadership Academy to establish “D.E.F. Scholars” Scholarship Program for students from diamond producing nations in Africa. The first graduating class of 32 surpassed all goals with 88% of students receiving college admission and securing a collective amount of $4.2 million in college scholarship funds to schools including Harvard University, Yale University, Cornell University, Barnard College, Trinity College, Duke University, and College of Wooster.

There are currently 42 D.E.F. Scholars at ALA from 7 diamond producing African countries and we are looking forward to following their progress at ALA and beyond when they pursuer higher education and return to their home countries as empowered leaders. ALA continues to work with its graduates by connecting them to mentors and internship opportunities with organizations that work in Africa. For further information, visit africanleadershipacademy.org.

Diamond Producing countries in Africa fact sheets:

Angola

Botswana

Central African Republic

Democratic Republic of Congo

Ivory Coast

Liberia

Namibia

The Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville)

Sierra Leone

South Africa

Tanzania

click on a country above to learn more

In keeping with D.E.F.’s mission of supporting education initiatives that develop and empower those most disadvantage in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource, the organization looks to fund projects that have proven success in providing African youth with high-quality education, including skill building and vocational training initiatives. In addition to providing funding, D.E.F. endeavors to promote the important work of its beneficiary schools and share the stories of the extraordinary students that are empowered through these institutions.

A philosophical and pragmatic commitment to self-determination is important to D.E.F. as it takes a partnership approach in selecting organizations that will be recipients of educational excellence, sound administrative management, and a clearly articulated financial need.

To further the goal of having a significant and measurable impact in its granting efforts, D.E.F. has two named beneficiaries thus far in South Africa: CIDA City Campus (CIDA) and the African Leadership Academy (ALA).

In 2009, DEF established a scholarship program for students from diamond producing nations in Africa to attend the African Leadership Academy (ALA). Meet the DEF Scholars

CIDA City Campus sees the future of a prosperous South Africa in the potential of its people. It believes education has a vital role in unlocking that potential for the benefit of the individual student, their families, their communities and South Africa as a nation. CIDA graduates are sought after because CIDA City Campus embraces innovation for social change in its approach to both running the organization and delivering the academic curriculum, and thus embeds social awareness, ethical practices and creative thinking in the experience of the students.

Ten years on, CIDA has had the time and experience to strategically review its achievements, its offer, its strengths and its impact. CIDA’s core business is the BBA undergraduate degree. However, its Unique Selling Point (USP) is its focus on bringing the BBA to young Africans who would not access the existing University sector. To do this, CIDA has (i) made use of innovation and creative thinking – it brought entrepreneurial values to an otherwise expensive academic tradition; (ii) and integrated community engagement work within BBA. This experience for the students is what sets the CIDA graduates apart from other graduates.

In 2010 CIDA is using Creativity, Innovation, Development, and Access to focus on three areas for strategic strengthening and development, which together will enable CIDA to lead International debate on new ways of doing business and delivering education that optimize innovation for social change, by informing, influencing, and supporting cross sector policy agendas and investment choices:

• Social Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Community engagement
• Alumni network

“CIDA has opened our eyes to a new ways of thinking and supporting our young people in education. I am inspired by its extraordinary reach across our nation, and am proud to be associated with its vision.”

– Nelson Mandela

CIDA CITY CAMPUS (CIDA)

Diamond Empowerment Fund’s contribution to CIDA City Campus’ endowment fund has been used to acquire CIDA Park Extension, a parcel of land and existing buildings next to the CIDA Park Campus. These buildings provide housing and daily meals for up to 300 students.

At CIDA, the provision of room and board is a crucial factor for the students ability to succeed in school, as most students and their families would not have the means to pay for this expense and would be at high risk of dropping out if trying to navigate a major daily commute or acquire off-campus housing in Johannesburg.

D.E.F.’s grant for the CIDA Park Extension will also support the renovation and upgrade of the buildings over the next two years.

Find Out More

VIDEOS

CIDA City Campus: Where Hope Becomes Reality

CIDA City Campus: Compassion Philosophy for Education

CIDA Poets: Nathi and Cyber: Rapid-fire Rhymes

FEATURED STUDENTS

Read an interview with CIDA City Campus students Brenda Tame and Lesego Magana

WEBSITE

To find out more about CIDA, visit cidafoundation.org.