Africa’s first free formal, arts academy launched 

Non Governmental Organisation, Dream Catchers Academy, has launched the first free formal and arts academy in Africa.

The school, which adopts formal curriculum also emphasises on arts due to its psychological benefits and relevance of entertainment in the world.

Speaking at the commissioning of the academy and ground breaking ceremony of hostel building in Lagos, Founder, Dream Catchers Academy, Seyi Oluyole said that the academy caters to less privileged girls who have experienced homelessness, neglect, or economic hardship.

She stressed that the academy is counteracting the detriments of growing up in the slums as its conditions are daunting for young girls, who are usually the target and victims of gender based violence.

“We hope to transform the lives of these girls through housing opportunities, wellness and welfare resources, and access to a quality education. Moreover, we provide our girls with an introduction to the arts.

“We see the need to provide arts education not only because of its psychological benefits and economic empowerment but also the realisation that we are all unique beings and so much of our economy is currently built on entertainment and arts,” she said.

According to her, the academy was launched in 2016, which originally started as a dance group with only five girls, who were passionate about arts have grown quickly to enrolling over 30 girls.

“Now, with sponsorship from the likes of Afrodroids,  the school building has equipped us to do even more and we will be enrolling a total of 100 girls. 60 at the primary school and 40 in the secondary school we will commence building on,” Oluyole added.

Founder, Afrodroids Community, Mr Owo Anietie, applauded the NGO for their transperency in handling the funds, stating that most times results are not visible after making financial contributions to some causes.

He harped on the need for humans to remain in an state of belief, saying; “Believe is all we have. Believe in yourself, God and your vision, so you can become whoever you want.”

Senior Special Assistant (Education) to the Governor of Lagos State, Adetola Salau, lauded them for having arts as an integral part of the academy while stating that a lot of art programs are being cut out in schools, which should not be because arts promote creativity, genius communication and promotional skills.

“Even as the world,  especially the work space develops,  those who are creative and innovative cannot be replaced by roborts,” she added

She explained that Lagos state offers support to such academies in their accreditation process and ensuring such innovations become mainstream.