Dr Farana Boodhram and her transformative initiative, MiDesk, have been recognised as a finalist in the Best Rising NGO category at the CSI Legacy Awards. This honour highlights the remarkable strides MiDesk has made in addressing educational inequities through innovation and sustainability. Designed to empower underprivileged children, MiDesk combines a wheelie schoolbag with a desk, chair, solar light, and USB charging portal, offering a practical and portable solution for students in communities where basic school infrastructure is lacking.
The idea for MiDesk began as a Grade 10 science project by Dr Boodhram’s daughter, Talita. Inspired by its potential to make a meaningful difference, Dr Boodhram refined the concept and led its prototyping and manufacturing. A seasoned leader with a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town and over two decades of executive experience, Dr Boodhram founded MiDesk Global to champion educational equity. Her work aligns with six United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Climate Action, demonstrating a commitment to both social impact and global sustainability.
MiDesk addresses a critical need. UNESCO estimates that over three million children in South Africa lack desks, a challenge that extends to 95 million children across Africa and more than 400 million globally. MiDesk offers a durable, sustainable solution that directly enhances learning conditions for these students. Its design ensures children have a dedicated learning environment at school and home, improving academic performance and fostering self-confidence. Made from recyclable materials, MiDesk also promotes environmental responsibility, further contributing to its mission of sustainable development.
Since its inception, MiDesk Global has distributed over 4,000 units across Africa, touching countless lives. The organisation’s scalable model allows it to manufacture 20,000 units per month, ensuring adaptability to diverse educational systems and regional needs. With a lifespan of 12 years, each MiDesk unit can accompany a child throughout their schooling journey, offering a long-term solution to persistent educational challenges.
The success of MiDesk is fuelled by collaboration with key partners, including NGOs, corporations, and government agencies. Notable partnerships with the Akani Simbine Foundation, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and Save the Children have amplified MiDesk’s reach in rural and underserved areas. Corporate sponsors have also embraced the initiative, customising MiDesk units with their branding while supporting the organisation’s mission to drive educational equity.
Community response to MiDesk has been overwhelmingly positive. One of the most rewarding moments for Dr Boodhram was witnessing underprivileged students use their MiDesks for the first time. Seeing the joy on their faces as they discovered the multifunctional features of their new schoolbags reaffirmed the importance of this work. The feedback from students, parents, and educators underscores the life-changing impact of MiDesk, which provides children with tools to overcome barriers to education and unlock their potential.
Looking ahead, MiDesk Global has ambitious plans to expand its reach, aiming to impact one million children globally by 2030. This vision is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. By addressing educational gaps with innovative solutions, MiDesk is setting a powerful example of how rising NGOs can lead transformative change.
Being named a finalist in the Best Rising NGO category is a testament to MiDesk’s dedication to creating a brighter future for children. Through its work, MiDesk Global not only enhances learning environments but also contributes to breaking cycles of poverty and inequality. This recognition celebrates the organisation’s achievements and inspires others to join the mission of building a world where every child has access to quality education.
Sir I wish to become a midesk ambassador or a promoter I see a potential in this product as I from rural area community