How Rainbow Dreams Trust is transforming lives in Hout Bay

Hout Bay-based non-profit Rainbow Dreams Trust ended the year on a high note with two of its major events: its annual awards ceremony and Christmas party, followed days later by its Camp Hope weekend for children living with cancer.

Founder Dannie Kagan said both events “reflect the heart of our work — bringing hope, joy and opportunity to children who need it most”.

More than 150 children from youth clubs across Hout Bay, Khayelitsha, Philippi and Masiphumelele attended the awards ceremony and party at Kronendal Primary School Hall on Saturday, November 22.

Ms Kagan started the organisation after witnessing “hopelessness, poverty and extraordinary need” in Cape Town’s townships.

 “I knew immediately I had to help. That moment planted the seed for Rainbow Dreams Trust,” she said.

The first township youth club opened in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, in 2010 with just 20 children and three community leaders. 

There are now clubs running five days a week in five townships, with 125 registered members, 15 community leaders, eight tutors, a youth club director and a full-time counsellor.

 “Our aim is clear: to help every child recognise their value and build a path to a brighter future,” said Ms Kagan.

The clubs aim to provide structured routines and support in core school subjects, along with leadership training, life skills and reading programmes.

 Strict behavioural expectations help children develop discipline and confidence, said Ms Kagan.

 “Nothing is simply handed out. We teach that dignity comes through effort and consistency,” she said.

The non-profit’s work has produced notable successes, she said.

 Its youth choir, established in 2010 by Ms Kagan’s late son, Dean, grew to 40 members and for years participated in the Artscape Schools competition.

 In 2018, they reached the prestigious Gala event, selected from more than 200 choirs. 

“That moment remains one of our proudest achievements,” said Ms Kagan.

Rainbow Dreams Trust now operates six major programmes: township youth clubs; Camp Hope; BEEP (an environmental initiative); Dream Catchers (supporting early development and young people with exceptional challenges); Breaking Walls (an international writing and theatre programme promoting acceptance across cultures); and the Pikamani Youth Group, which offers training in drama, dance and song.

This year also delivered a milestone Ms Kagan describes as “a full-circle moment”: seven long-time youth club members graduated from university. 

“Their success is proof that where you start does not define where you can go,” she said. 

Ms Kagan credits donors, trustees and community partners for the organisation’s continued impact.

 “Our journey continues. We will keep standing beside our children, offering hope and helping them build the futures they deserve.”

The Rainbow Dreams Trust is distributing a free holiday booklet to keep youth busy during the December holidays. If you would like a copy of this booklet, you can email it at contact@rainbowdreamstrust.co.za or send a WhatsApp text to 083 283 0072.

The gathering recognised academic improvement, leadership, discipline and community participation. “Every achievement represents courage and resilience,” said Ms Kagan.

 “These children show us daily what hope looks like in action.”

Just days after, from Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30, the organisation hosted its latest Camp Hope at the Rotary Campsite in Glencairn.

 The camp provided emotional support and fun activities for children living with cancer from Tygerberg Hospital, Red Cross Children’s Hospital and Groote Schuur Hospital.

“These camps give children a chance to feel free, supported and celebrated,” she said.

These recent milestones highlight the Trust’s steady growth since its founding in 2006.