Champaign nonprofit DREAAM traveling to Africa

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A Champaign nonprofit is going overseas to help people in Africa.

A group of five high schoolers and mentors from DREAAM are en route to Malawi. The organization name stands for Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males. They’ll be visiting schools, leading STEM projects, and partnering with Habitat for Humanity to paint houses.

Program Coordinator Luther Sparkman said it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the young men.

“Just to kind of open up their mind to the widespread issues that exist in the world we live in, and just help them understand that they are the change that we need for the future.”

The students will return to Central Illinois on August 8. Sparkman said they’re in the process of opening an opportunity center for DREAAM-ers and are always looking for more mentors.

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