LLL x MiDO Foundation

On the 13th of March, an invaluable dinner conversation unfolded at 59 Victoria Street, a residence within the Listen, Live, and Learn (LLL) program, as a promising partnership with the MiDo Foundation was forged, marking the onset of the inaugural phase of their transformative house project. Aligned with their 2024 Sustainable Development Goal of reducing inequalities, their vision crystallized around addressing educational disparities head-on. Their objective? Empowering matriculants with essential tools for university applications and equipping educators with the necessary skills to guide future cohorts. However, their journey towards sustainability encountered a hurdle: securing access to vital resources, notably old laptops. Enter a fortuitous encounter with Delicia Davids, their first esteemed house guest, who introduced them to Dale Simons and their impactful work. Thus, a collaboration was born, igniting a beacon of hope for their shared mission.

On the day of the eagerly anticipated dinner, the residents of house 59 Victoria rallied their resources to procure the necessary ingredients, as they had not yet qualified for a voucher, being their first dinner of March. Despite meticulous planning, guests arrived promptly, catching them in the midst of final preparations. As they gathered around the table, engaging in lively conversation, they were captivated by the founding story and offerings of MiDO Technologies, challenging preconceptions about technology accessibility in marginalized communities. The revelation that one of Stellenbosch's hidden gems belonged to the foundation—the co-create hub—added intrigue to their discussions. Emboldened by the camaraderie of the evening, they presented their project proposal, sparking a collaborative dialogue on the path forward.

As the discussion deepened, the tangible prospect of the project taking flight emerged, thanks to the invaluable guidance of Dale and Michelle. Collaboratively, they fine-tuned their approach, aligning expectations with on-the-ground realities. Insights from firsthand experiences in schools prompted a shift in perspective: redirecting efforts towards grade 11 students for a year-long initiative seamlessly integrating with academic priorities. Moreover, discussions unveiled another pressing issue: the underrepresentation of young girls in IT-related discourse, often overshadowed by their male counterparts. This revelation sparked a second collaboration, extending to courses and initiatives offered by their Academy and digital hubs. Thus, the idea emerged to capture their stories through video, amplifying them across networks and hubs to inspire and empower learners, particularly young girls, in claiming their space in the IT realm. Recognizing the potency of diverse narratives, they proposed extending this initiative to the entire Listen, Live, and Learn program, amplifying its impact and fostering inclusivity in the digital landscape.

Impressed by the students' commitment, Dale agreed to partner with LLL, particularly in aiding university applications. Dale also commented on the all-female leadership team sharing inspiring stories and underscoring the importance of motivating female learners. Despite the dinner ending in darkness due to load shedding, the determination to engage in a selfie was evident that also made for much laughter! The conversation at LLL House 59 Victoria, between the residents, Dale and Michelle proved to be profoundly enlightening and thought-provoking, as 59 Victoria grappled with the idea of having to temper their project's expectations, Dale's words of encouragement resonated deeply. He reminded them that even if their efforts only empower a handful of learners to envision a future beyond their immediate circumstances, it is indeed a triumph worth celebrating. With this newfound perspective, they are brimming with excitement and anticipation to embark on this collaborative journey with Dale and Michelle, eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they seek to uplift.