We hope to inspire young people …
... to follow their dreams and bring about positive change in the world
The Dekeyser&Friends Foundation aims to contribute to fulfilled individual lives, but also to bring about social change. Our goal is to educate young individuals to develop the courage to follow their own ideas and dreams. We believe that such courage cannot only be found in conventional formal education but also through creative experiential learning, meeting inspiring people, and through powerful experiences, mentoring and support.
The D&F Academy
That is why the Dekeyser&Friends Foundation set up the D&F Academy, which offers educational programs for young adults aged 18 to 28 from around the world – our Fellows. Each D&F Academy project allows them to learn from experienced and distinguished personalities – our Friends - and find out about their own talents, goals, dreams and how they can have a positive impact on the world that surrounds them.
Inspiring the next generation – the D&F Friends
Through our projects we want to create a movement that allows experienced leaders to pass on their knowledge and passion to young people from around the world. We invite entrepreneurs, artists, sportsmen, scientists, and educators to propose projects with hands-on work and an exchange of ideas which inspire young people to develop themselves and motivates them to take on responsibility for their societies.
What do young people need to follow their dreams?
Our Fellows come together from all around the world to work together on experiential learning projects. Our method of selecting applicants is not based on previous performance. Instead, selection is based on the applicant’s demonstrated motivation and evidence that he or she will benefit from the project, as our goal is to bring together as diverse a team as possible. Every young person from anywhere in the world irrespective of formal diplomas, qualifications or degrees between the age of 18 to 28 (for US projects 21 to 28) can apply.
Our Friends want to give back and pass on their experience, passion and knowledge to the next generation. They also want to enjoy and be inspired by meeting interested and motivated young people from different countries and cultures. What is unique about our projects is that the D&F Academy makes working with young people for a limited amount of time on a project very easy. The D&F Academy finances and facilitates projects and thus enables Friends to give back and enjoy.