Our Method

Educational Concept

With the Dekeyser&Friends Academy we have developed an innovative educational concept, which combines experiential learning and personal mentorship in unique hands-on projects.

The D&F Academy combines exciting experiential learning environments with an inspiring mentor and a unique leadership program whilst aiming to provide young people around the world from all backgrounds with the skills, experience, courage and mentorship they need to follow their dreams and become positive leaders in their societies.

D&F Academy projects are open to everyone between 18 and 28 years. We do not select based on background, formal qualification, grades or previous experiences of an applicant, but on their motivation and potential. Once accepted, our Fellows receive full scholarships covering all project-related costs.

What do you need to follow your dreams?

We thought about which education would support young people to follow their dreams and become agents of positive change in their communities. At the same time we want to enable as many inspiring personalities to pass on their knowledge to the next generation.
That is how the D&F Academy came into being.

As part of an international group, Fellows experience friendship, learn how to support each other, work together in a team and become a members of a global community of changemakers.

Through contact and interaction with their project Friend, our Fellows gain a role model – someone who has gone his or her own path and can share his or her experience and knowledge as well as show the Fellows that it is possible to make your dreams come true.

From the Mentors and Experts our Fellows receive skills, feedback, advice and encouragement.

Through hands-on learning in the Project Work the Fellows gain knowledge in their chosen field and share their passion with likeminded people. They also achieve the necessary skills to turn their own dreams into reality.

Through the contact with the Friend and the successful completion of the Challenge, they develop optimism and trust in themselves as well as the skills to turn a plan into action.

In the DreamLab, Fellows develop their own ideas, learn to think outside the box, to find new solutions, to be inspired and gain the courage to follow their dreams. Here Fellows also find the space to develop their dream from first tentative ideas to an actual implementation plan.

And finally, during the DreamMaker Phase, we provide them with support and help them to start their own project or venture.

Find out more about the Project Components by clicking on the individual elements in the side menu.