Presented by the Lola Cater Foundation
Empowering Nigeria’s Next Generation of Leaders
Welcome to the DreamRise Movement!
Dear Expert Volunteer/Partner,
Congratulations and thank you for your interest in partnering with DreamRise Fest 2026! By joining as an Expert Volunteer/Partner, you bring your specialized knowledge to life, helping shape transformative experiences for children aged 8–17. This hybrid role allows flexibility, you can contribute voluntarily out of passion or explore partnership opportunities where compensation or mutual benefits (e.g., co-branded initiatives, exposure) may apply, enabling you to give your absolute best.
Your expertise in one of our thematic areas will ensure high-quality, sustainable programming that aligns with the festival's mission: to empower Nigerian children to dream boldly, rise early, and lead purposefully through innovation, creativity, leadership, and social responsibility, in line with key SDGs (e.g., Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Partnerships).
This handbook explains your role, responsibilities, expectations, timelines, support, and how you'll contribute to application sorting and event attendance decisions. Refer to it as your guide throughout this journey.
1. About DreamRise Fest 2026
DreamRise Fest is Nigeria’s premier month-long children’s empowerment festival in May 2026, featuring hybrid events (onsite in Ab-uja + virtual nationwide) and culminating in a Grand National Children’s Day Celebration on May 27, 2026.
Thematic Weeks Aligned with Your Expertise:
1. Week 1: Entrepreneurship/Career – Young CEO & Career Discovery Fair
2. Week 2: Social Works/Humanitarian – Young Changemakers Forum
3. Week 3 (Tue): Technology, Science & Innovation – Kids in Tech, Science & Innovation Fair
4. Week 3 (Fri): Art, Culture, Creativity & Tourism – Young Creatives Showcase & Cultural Tour
5. Week 4: Leadership – Young Leaders Assembly
6. Week 5: Grand Finale – Integration of all themes
Our goal: Engage 5,000+ children, foster mentorship, and launch sustainable platforms like the DreamRise Hub and Nigeria Young Future Leaders Assembly (NYFLA).
2. Your Role as an Expert Volunteer/Partner
As a pro in your chosen thematic area (e.g., Leadership, Entrepreneurship, etc.), you are a key collaborator. This role blends volunteer spirit with partnership potential, allowing you to contribute freely while exploring ways to amplify your impact (e.g., through sponsored sessions or long-term collaborations). You'll focus on one theme to deliver expert-level input.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Weekly Activity Planning & Design
- Map out sessions, agendas, and activities for your thematic week (e.g., workshops, pitches, bootcamps).
- Design engaging, age-appropriate content that promotes skill-building and inspiration for children 8–17.
2. Sourcing Key Players & Partnerships
- Provide/introduce industry experts, stakeholders, funders/donors, and partners (e.g., tech companies for STEM week, cultural institutions for arts week).
- Secure speakers, mentors, grants, or in-kind support to enhance the week's quality.
3. Mentorship & Sustainability
- Mentor children during and post-festival (e.g., virtual follow-ups through DreamRise Hub).
- Ensure long-term impact by creating mentorship frameworks or resources that outlast the event.
4. Application Sorting & Attendance Decisions
- Review and sort child applications for your thematic week (e.g., via shared Google Sheets or dashboards).
- Evaluate based on criteria like age, interest, diversity (gender, region, background), and potential impact.
- Decide on attendance (onsite/virtual) for up to 200–500 children per week, prioritizing inclusivity and safety.
- Collaborate with the central team to finalize lists, ensuring alignment with festival goals.
5. Event Facilitation & Support
- Participate in virtual planning meetings and onsite in Abuja (if available).
- Facilitate sessions, moderate panels, or provide real-time expertise during your week.
3. What We Expect from You
- Expertise Focus: Stick to your selected thematic area to deliver specialized, high-impact contributions.
- Commitment: 5–10 hours/month from January to April 2026 for planning; increased during May (festival execution). Post-festival mentorship (June–November 2026) encouraged.
- Flexibility in Contribution: Contribute voluntarily or as a partner, discuss paid elements (e.g., session fees) if your involvement scales to sponsorship levels.
- Professionalism & Passion: Bring your best ideas, networks, and energy. Prioritize child-centered, inclusive approaches.
- Availability: Virtual meetings mandatory; travel to Abuja (May 2026) optional but valued.
- Child Safeguarding: Adhere strictly to LCF’s Child Protection Policy (provided upon selection). All interactions must prioritize safety, consent, and ethical standards.
4. Terms of Engagement
- Volunteer/Partner Hybrid: This role is primarily voluntary, but partnerships can include compensation (e.g., honorariums for key contributions) or benefits like branding exposure, co-publications, or collaborative projects. Discuss preferences during onboarding.
- Stipends & Perks: No base salary unless formalized as a paid partnership.
All receive:
- Official certificate and letter of recommendation.
- Branded merchandise and ID.
- Networking with national/international partners.
- Recognition in the National Children’s Impact Report.
- Intellectual Property: Contributions (e.g., session designs) may be shared with credit to you.
5. Timeline of Activities
6. Support You Will Receive
- Central Team: Dedicated coordinator for your theme; monthly Zoom calls and shared tools (e.g., Google Workspace).
- Training & Resources: Sessions on child engagement, SDG alignment, application sorting guidelines, and festival tech.
- Application Sorting Tools: Access to secure platforms for reviewing/sorting applications (criteria templates provided).
- Collaboration: Network with other experts across themes for cross-pollination.
- Customization: Tailor your involvement, volunteer fully or partner for deeper integration.
7. Application Sorting Process Explained
To ensure fair, expert-driven selection:
- Access Applications: Receive batched submissions (e.g., 1,000+ nationwide) filtered by theme.
- Sorting Criteria: Score on a rubric (provided): Relevance to theme (40%), Diversity/inclusivity (30%), Child's motivation/need (20%), Logistics (10%).
- Decision-Making: Recommend attendance (onsite for top 200–500, virtual for others). Flag high-potential cases for scholarships/mentorship.
- Timeline: March–April 2026; aim for decisions by mid April.
- Tools: Use shared spreadsheets or apps; training ensures consistency.
- Oversight: Final approvals by LCF team to maintain equity.
This process leverages your pro insights to select children who will benefit most, ensuring the events are impactful and diverse.
8. Code of Conduct
- Uphold the festival's values: Inclusivity, innovation, and child empowerment.
- Maintain confidentiality of applications and child data.
- Avoid conflicts of interest (e.g., favoring personal networks).
- Communicate professionally; report issues promptly.
- Represent LCF and DreamRise positively in all interactions.
9. Contact Information
Expert Coordinator: Ololade & +234 (0) 803 633 4600
General Inquiries: Dreamrisefest@gmail.com
Emergency/Urgent: +234 (0) 803 633 4600
Website: www.dreamrisefest.lolacaterfoundation.org / www.lolacaterfoundation.org
Social Media: @LolaCaterFoundation
Closing Note
As an Expert Volunteer/Partner, you're not just contributing, you're co-creating a legacy. Your expertise will inspire thousands, sort the best fits for transformative experiences, and sustain impact beyond 2026. Whether volunteering from the heart or partnering for mutual growth, your role is pivotal.
Let's empower the next generation together!
Lola Cater Foundation Team
December 2025
Registration Form
https://forms.gle/V2qbzpkhhmN3tnME8
(If the form doesn't load, click here to register: [Direct Google Form Link] https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiE2-HF_5kkxHDKfDzotqvAiklH_yGlC2qGYePmopbUrne5Q/viewform?usp=header)