In Loving Memory of Urge Dinegde.
A legacy of compassion, education and community empowerment.
A life of unbounded love, courage and light
Created in her honour, Urge’s Foundation is dedicated to carrying forward the life and legacy of Urge Dinegde, a woman of unbounded love, courage, and light.
With a heart devoted to service and an incorruptible spirit, Urge transformed the lives of those around her through compassion, wisdom and a profound commitment to uplifting others.
Urge’s Foundation aims to empower communities and expand access to education through her work with The Village School Project, echoing her vision of a world where each person should have the opportunity to thrive.
The Village School Project (TVSP)
Inspiring Hope and Change
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It started with Ayantu
In 2007, Urge met a young girl named Ayantu, a moment that would forever change her life. Ayantu, who lived on less than two dollars a day, couldn’t attend school but dreamed of becoming a teacher. Moved by her story, Urge imagined herself in Ayantu’s shoes, asking, "If my father had never left this village, could her story have been mine?" This powerful reflection ignited Urge’s vision of empowering vulnerable communities and creating opportunities for those most in need.
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The power of education
Alongside a dedicated group of volunteers, Urge founded TVSP, with the profound ambition to transform communities, one village at a time. Through strategic initiatives addressing critical infrastructure, sanitation, and educational access, TVSP laid the foundation for sustainable change. The project garnered widespread support through fundraising events such as movie and meal nights and live auctions.
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The remarkable Impact
From the construction of new classrooms, water and sanitation facilities and a bridge that connects the village to vital resources, to providing scholarships for the most vulnerable children, the impact has been far-reaching. The school now serves over 1,500 students, with initiatives that have led to a significant reduction in dropout rates, improved attendance and academic performance. Beyond education, the project has fostered entrepreneurship, improved the quality of life for students and their families and sparked a shift in the community's value of education.
Donate
Support our mission by contributing a donation of any amount — every contribution makes a difference. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to The Village School Project's scholarship initiative, helping support 70 students in 2025.
The Vision and Legacy of The Village School Project
Discover the story that sparked Urge’s mission to uplift vulnerable communities, starting with a young girl’s dream.
See how Urge and dedicated volunteers built lasting change through education, infrastructure and community empowerment.
Empowering Futures Through Urge’s Legacy
Urge’s unwavering commitment to community continues to inspire those who are dedicated to advancing her vision.
Through meaningful initiatives, people in her network are transforming lives and empowering the next generation right now.
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UD Fundraising Committee (DFFH)
Led by the Victorian Department of Family, Fairness and Housing Refugee Minor Program, this committee carries Urge’s legacy by uniting colleagues to support causes close to her heart, creating opportunities for young people and enriching refugee families through impactful fundraising efforts.
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Refugee Youth Employment Program (DFFH)
Inspired by Urge’s passion for education and her career pathway, this new traineeship program offers young refugees in the Refugee Minor Program the chance to launch careers in state government, ensuring her legacy of service and leadership lives on.
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Language Books for Children in the Refugee Minor Program (DFFH)
Continuing Urge’s work, this initiative focuses on providing essential educational resources, like in-language books, to children in the Refugee Minor Program, ensuring they have the tools to succeed and build a brighter future.
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High School/First-Year University Student Support (DFFH)
Raising funds through raffles and market stalls, this initiative provides financial support to young people in their final year of high school or first year of university, helping them take the next step toward a successful future.
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Recognition Award
In 2024, Urge was honoured with the prestigious Child Protection Values Award, recognising her immense contribution to the department. Her work continues to inspire and will forever remain a guiding light for those who follow in her footsteps.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
Our Pledge
We’re excited to announce the launch of Urges Foundation with three programs, The Village School Project Scholarship Program Re-launch for 2025, the Cultivate Change Program and the offering of on-going contributions to the foundation.
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We are committed to re-igniting Urge’s mission by re-launching TVSP Scholarship Program and increasing the receipts from 40 to 70 students in 2025.
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Join us in cultivating change by hosting an event or initiative that honours Urge’s legacy and supports the continued growth of her vision of one village at a time, seeing a world where every child has access to quality education.
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If you’re interested in contributing to TVSP financially, we have launched the option to donate on a monthly basis. Follow urgesfoundation.org/donate for more info.