Mido Foundation

First time behind a camera for some, first taste of what a career in creative media could look like.

During the June/July holidays, MiDO Foundation and EM Studio Photography ran a Photography Practical Workshop for Grade 8 learners across Stellenbosch, Somerset and Franschhoek.

Watching their confidence grow through the photowalks and hands-on sessions was the whole point.
As one learner put it, “It isn’t about having the most expensive equipment, but knowing how to use it.”

Congratulations to the educators from Raithby Primary School, Ikaya Primary School, and Klapmuts Hill Primary School on completing their training programmes and receiving their certificates. This achievement reflects real dedication to growing as teachers and as leaders in their classrooms.

Made possible through the Remgro Schools Project, this training has given these educators stronger digital skills and new tools to bring engaging, technology-enabled learning into their classrooms. Their willingness to keep learning is opening doors for their learners and helping build a stronger culture of innovation across their schools.

To every educator who received a certificate, thank you for investing in your own growth. The impact of that commitment reaches far beyond the classroom, into the wider school community and the learners you serve every day.

We also want to thank the school leadership teams and partners who continue to drive digital transformation in education alongside us. This progress would not be possible without you.

POV: The MiDO staff understood the TikTok assignment 😅🎥

A little fun, a lot of energy, and the best team vibes ✨

At MiDO, we work hard, but we definitely know how to have fun too! 💃🕺

WorkCulture TikTokTrend GoodVibesOnly

Celebrating 10 years of the MiDO Foundation continues with more special moments from our FSP and Luckhoff Hubs. 💙

We visited more of the hubs that have walked this journey with us and surprised the Principals and hub champions who champion opportunities for their learners every single day. Their leadership, dedication and belief in the power of education make the work we do possible.

This time we stopped by:

📍New Orleans Secondary School
📍Lückhoff High School
📍Franschhoek High School
📍Groendal Secondary School

Thank you for opening your schools, your hearts and your vision to the work of the MiDO Foundation. These partnerships continue to shape brighter futures for learners across our communities.

The school term has officially come to a close and what a journey of impact it has been. Our hubs were not just rooms full of technology, they were vibrant spaces of growth led by our 9 dedicated Hub Coordinators, consisting of 4 returning hub co’s and 5 new hub co’s.

This year marks a major milestone as we celebrate having employed 40 local youth as Hub Coordinators throughout the existence of our hubs. By intentionally hiring youth from the specific communities where our hubs operate, we ensure that our mentorship is relatable and deeply rooted in the local context.
How is this investment transforming our communities?

Direct Employment: We provide meaningful work opportunities for local youth in their respective areas, ensuring economic growth stays within the community.
Targeted Upskilling: Our coordinators receive specialized training that prepares them for future careers while they simultaneously upskill the learners in our hubs.
Relatable Mentorship: Because our coordinators come from the same communities as our learners, they serve as powerful examples of what is possible through digital literacy.

While we provide the hardware and software, our Executive Director, Daniel Solomons, highlights the most critical ingredient: the "Warmware." These are the talented individuals who show up every day to guide and inspire, turning a digital space into a community of opportunity.

We are so proud of the work done this term to build a digital future that belongs to everyone. It is clear that when we invest in local leadership, the entire community rises.

🎥 Check out the video to hear more about the heart behind our training and the impact of our team.

In 2016, Our CEO, Dale Simons had a vision of creating equipped,vibrant, digital spaces for young people to access and become Digital Citizens. From this vision developed our first Digital Hub at Stellenzicht Secondary in 2017. Over the years, the vision expanded as new hubs opened at High Schools across the region: Groendal and Franschhoek in 2018, Simanyene, Nomzamo, and Rusthof in 2019, Gordon in 2020, Luckhoff in 2021, and New Orleans in 2022.

Today we raise an Ebenezer and celebrate 10 years of impact and a vision that continues to grow. Through our Digital Hubs, 320 000 learners have gained more than digital skills; they have gained confidence, creativity, entrepreneurial know-how, and the courage to shape their own future. Educators at 40 schools in the Cape Winelands have been digitally trained and challenged to S.W.AG! We’ve partnered with teachers, supported schools, and witnessed the power of opportunity in action.

In 2026, our vision grows as we gear up to build our 10th hub in our 10th year at Strand Secondary! From one man’s vision to a growing network of opportunity continuing to open doors for learners to explore, create, and dream bigger than their circumstances. Thank you for partnering with us on this journey as we continue to change lives through technology!

Every step forward is built on guidance, support, and lessons from those who care. 💛
�This week, our learners reflected on who has inspired them, the wisdom they’ve gained, and how it fuels the dreams ahead.
Who lights your path and motivates you to reach higher? Tag them and celebrate the spark that keeps you moving forward! 🌟
� MentorshipMatters CommunityHeroes DreamBig

Growth doesn’t happen alone. It happens because someone believed in you, guided you, and cheered you on. 🌟

This week, we celebrate the people whose encouragement, patience, and care have shaped our learners’ journeys. Who has helped you grow?

What lessons are you most grateful for? Tag them and let them know their impact is unforgettable. ❤️

CommunityHeroes GratitudeInAction
Before systems are secured, confidence must be strengthened. 🔐✨

This week, our learners pause to reflect on their growth, the people who’ve guided them, and the lessons that inspire them to keep moving forward.

Who has helped you grow? What are you most grateful for in your learning journey? How does their guidance inspire your future? 🌟

Tag someone who has made a difference in your life and let them know their support matters. Together, we celebrate the power of guidance, gratitude, and dreams that light the way. ✨