LeeConnect: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

By Cynthia Mothelesi

Empowering youth through access to basic skills such as digital literacy is crucial for their development and future success. In Southern Africa, nearly onethird of youth are not online, with 3 out of 5 youth aged 15 to 24 offline in Africa. This digital divide can deepen existing socioeconomic disparities if not bridged. Through the provision of digital literacy, and other higher education readiness training, young people can gain the skills to enhance their employability, participate in civic activities, and access economic opportunities, ultimately improving their overall well-being and future success. An organisation in South Africa, LeeConnect, has been established to get tomorrow’s leaders ready for higher learning.

LeeConnect was founded in 2018 by Lindelwa Mahlalela, the Founder and CEO, who recognised a significant disparity in access to academic resources between urban and rural areas. This realisation was sparked by a personal encounter with a young woman who had achieved outstanding academic results but lacked basic digital literacy skills, including understanding the concept of an email address. Lindelwa’s mission is to empower individuals to reach their full potential, and LeeConnect has enabled her to make education more accessible by focusing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which prioritises quality education.

With a deep passion for education, Lindelwa aims to inspire people globally to believe in themselves and pursue their aspirations. Let us delve deeper into LeeConnect;

TRC: What is the mission and vision of LeeConnect? How does it aim to create social impact and inclusion in South Africa?

LM: Our mission is to afford young people the opportunity to further their studies and be the change that they want to see. We aim to do this by providing access to academic information and resources. We aim to bridge the gap between academic opportunities and young people in rural areas who are not exposed to quality education and opportunities.

TRC: What are LeeConnect’s main programs and initiatives? Please provide a brief description of each.

LM: We provide a variety of programs to cater for different learners walking different journeys in life. We are inclusive, we have university assistance for learners who want to further their studies. We have college assistance for learners who want to learn imperative skills. We have CV and cover letter writing for young people and graduates who are seeking employment opportunities. We have career guidance and mentorship so learners can make the right career choices, this decreases the number of university drop-outs because learners will enroll for courses that they are passionate about and have more information on. We also have extra classes for learners that need extra help to get the marks that they deserve. We are inclusive in making sure that we provide services that are beneficial to learners.

TRC: Who are the key stakeholders that LeeConnect engages with to achieve its goals (e.g. beneficiaries, partners, funders)? How does it measure the impact of its work on these stakeholders?

LM: Our target audience is young people who believe in the power of education and want to make a difference. We measure impact by the number of people that we have reached and how many were successfully enrolled in the institutions of their choice. We measure impact by how many people got accepted. It is beautiful and inspiring to see the stories of young people that we have assisted, some were the first in their families to complete grade 12 and be accepted into universities, and some are graduating and getting jobs, it gives us more drive to continue the work that we do in our best possible way.

TRC: What are some of LeeConnect’s key achievements and successes to date in terms of social impact and inclusion? Please provide specific examples and metrics if available.

LM: Some of our notable accolades and achievements include:

• Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South African 2023

• Graca Machel Foundation: Women Creating Wealth Program

• Edupreneur of the Year Nominee by FOYA Awards 2023

• South African BRICS Youth Innovation Summit Representative 2023

• Motsepe Foundation Golden Circle Winner 2022

• Women Entrepreneurship Program SA 2022

• Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Festival of Ideas Top 10 2022

• Africa’s Brightest Young Mind Top 100 2022

• Most Memorable Women Top 50 by Feature Magazine 2022

• Stellenbosch University EDHE Overall Winner 2021

In Southern Africa, nearly one-third of youth are not online, with 3 out of 5 youth aged 15 to 24 offline in Africa. This digital divide can deepen existing socioeconomic disparities if not bridged.

TRC: How does LeeConnect ensure that its programs are inclusive and accessible to marginalized or disadvantaged groups?

LM: We assist everyone who needs academic help, whether you are a young person who took a gap year or an adult who wants to pursue further studies, we assist everyone who wants to make a difference.

We are currently developing an application that will show learners which courses they qualify for and in which institutions, this will enable them to make the right career choices to avoid being varsity drop-outs or being overwhelmed with studying courses they are not passionate about.

TRC: In what ways does Lee Connect collaborate with the government, private sector, and other NGOs to amplify its impact and promote social inclusion?

LM: We are currently not in partnership with the government or the private sector. We do believe that collaborations are fruitful for any business, and we have collaborated with other young-owned businesses that have similar goals and mission as LeeConnect, this has increased our network and exposed us to more opportunities to engage and interact with our target audience.

Collaborations are an opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect, share knowledge and create meaningful experiences.

TRC: How does LeeConnect engage the communities it serves in the design and implementation of its programs? What is the role of community members in driving change?

LM: The community plays a big role in helping us reach our target audience because they give us support when we go to the high schools to engage with the learners.

The business reached greater heights because of word of mouth, the role of community members. Building relationships with local organizations, businesses, and residents to understand their needs and concerns helps us have a better understanding of how we can help the communities in different ways.

TRC: What are LeeConnect’s plans for the future? Where does it see the greatest potential for growth and impact in the social impact and inclusion space in South Africa?

LM: The launch of our app is currently the focus for the future, the app will give learners all the information they need at a click of a button. Our future also includes expanding our services to other African countries because lack of quality education is a global issue.

The greatest potential for growth and impact in social impact and inclusion that LeeConnect aims to focus on is Youth Employability: This is a significant area of concern in South Africa, with high levels of youth unemployment. Projects that focus on youth employability have the potential to make a significant impact.

- Early Learning: Access to quality early learning is limited in South Africa, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Projects that focus on early learning have the potential to make a significant impact on the long-term educational and economic outcomes of children.

TRC: What stories or case studies illustrate the transformative impact of Lee Connect’s work on individuals’ lives or communities?

Case 1:

Harold is a young LeeConnect beneficiary who is a final year student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He sent a message that said, “You really changed my life by giving me access to further my studies. God bless you”.

Case 2:

Tsietsi Radebe is from Free State and is currently doing his in-service training at Tshiame B Clinic, he started working there in January and says it has been a good experience because it is helping him develop as a human being. He has learnt how to be responsible and take accountability. His message is, “I really appreciate what you have done for me, it means a lot because

I have finally entered the working space and you have guided me throughout, I will forever look up to you Ms Lee”.

Case 3:

Olwethu is a LeeConnect beneficiary at the University of Free State, she has been a remarkable leader in helping other LeeConnect students to get registered and get accommodation at the University of Free State. She is part of the team as a university mentor and has provided incredible support and guidance to the LeeConnect first year students. She is doing this because she was assisted by LeeConnect during her first year and aims to continue lighting the path for others, this shows her loving heart and determination to continue making a change.

Case 4:

“I’m Matentji Tony, doing my third year in BEng tech metallurgical engineering at Tshwane University of Technology and I am from Limpopo. When I was having difficulties with applying for universities especially during the late application period, LeeConnect managed to apply for me and swiftly ensured that I secured funding”.

Despite the challenges faced by youth when it comes to access to higher education, it is heartening to see young innovators taking matters into their own hands to bridge this gap. LeeConnect is empowering the next generation of leaders to take their futures into their own hands. Through this platform from underserved communities can gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in university and beyond. Through the support of this dynamic community, today’s youth are poised for success in education and life.