Founded to bridge the educational and employment gap in Africa, our organization partners with communities to create sustainable change through education, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Hillary and David Fernandes: Founders of Dreams Unified
Hillary and David Fernandes co-founded Dreams Unified in 2019 to empower women and children across Africa. With David’s roots in Kampala, Uganda, and Hillary’s rural West Virginia background, they bring unique insights to tackling poverty. Through Dreams Unified, they focus on education and essential resources to create lasting change.
As parents to Austin and Dominique and grandparents to Cayden, Leilani, and Lincoln, the Fernandes family values the power of opportunity, hope, and sustainable impact, inspiring a brighter future for generations to come.
OUR CORE VALUES
Empowerment
Enabling women and children to shape their futures through education and skills development.
Compassion and Integrity
Serving with empathy, honesty, and transparency, building trust and honoring dignity.
COLLABORATION
Fostering teamwork and strategic partnerships for greater, sustainable impact.
Sustainability
Creating lasting, self-sufficient solutions for families and communities.
Inclusivity
Celebrating diversity and cultivating an environment of respect and value for all.
Innovation
Embracing creativity to address challenges and enhance our programs.
OUR Project Highlights
Mandela Day 2024
This Mandela Day, we mobilized our efforts to make a meaningful impact in our community. With the help of dedicated volunteers, we prepared over 5,400sandwiches using 600 loaves of bread. These sandwiches were distributed to families in need and vulnerable communities in and around Durban, South Africa. This initiative not only provided nourishment but also fostered a sense of unity and support. We are grateful for everyone involved in making this project a success and look forward to continuing our efforts to uplift those in need!
Educational Initiative
We are excited to share the success of our recent project involving a container full of good generously donated by one of our partners in the USA. This container was brimming with essential items for schools and training programs, including over 150 computers and a massive eight-burner stove for a local soup kitchen. This stove will enable the soup kitchen to provide daily meals for vulnerable people in the community. Additionally, we successfully transformed the container into a fully-equipped classroom, which will be deployed to one of our partners in need. Together, we’re creating positive change and supporting educational initiatives!
Uganda Initiative
We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with a partner in the USA to provide uniforms for an orphanage inUganda in need. This project aims to support approximately 400 children on the registry, each receiving three meticulously designed uniforms. Our seamstresses and staff work tirelessly to make sure that we provided items of the highest quality . From concept to completion, we ensured every uniform meets the children’s needs, providing on-ground support for proper fittings and necessary alterations. Our goal is to help enhance the children’s self-esteem and pride while creating a nurturing environment. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in their lives!
Uniform Initiative 2024
We partnered with local organizations to provide uniforms to children in vulnerable areas of South Africa. Through this initiative, we distributed shirts, shorts, and button-up uniforms to those who cannot afford their own. Our goal is to ensure that every child has access to the attire they need to attend school with pride and confidence. This project not only promotes education but also fosters a sense of belonging among the children. Together, we’re working to create a brighter future for the next generation!
Grace Aid
We partnered with Grace Aid Ministries to create beautiful gifts for their generous donors. Our talented women in the sewing department, trained through our programs, volunteered their skills to craft these unique items. Grace Aid Ministries supplied the materials, enabling us to combine resources for a meaningful cause. This collaboration not only showcases the incredible talent of our seamstresses but also strengthens our community ties. Together, we celebrate the generosity of donors while supporting the development of valuable skills in our women. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
Fabric Initiative
In a recent initiative, we collaborated with one of our partners to sell and distribute high-quality fabrics at affordable prices to individuals skilled in sewing. By receiving generous donations, we were able to offer these fabrics at just $0.25 per meter, at about 5% their market value. This program empowers vulnerable community members, enabling them to create and sell their own items, fostering financial independence. We believe that initiatives like this not only enhance livelihoods but also in still a sense of pride as people earn income to support their families. Together, we’re making a positive impact!