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Meet Allan van der Meulen

Blockchain technology for good

Portrait of Allan

Allan van der Meulen grew up in a high-crime neighbourhood in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. After completing high school, he initially did not know which direction to take, as there were few professional role models in his community.

Accidently, he came across RLabs, an organization that empowers young people to develop technology-based solutions for social challenges. Here, he was encouraged to speak out his opinions and realised for the first time the importance of his voice.

He participated in the RLabs GROW Academy, learning technical skills such as programming and honing his leadership abilities by conducting workshops for young people. Through his experiences at RLabs, he became increasingly engaged in addressing the issue of youth unemployment and eventually co-founded Zlto.

Allan founded Zlto

Zlto app picture

Zlto is an online platform based on blockchain technology with the aim of encouraging and rewarding young people who contribute to social local projects and the common good. By investing their time and energy, they can earn points and convert them into Zlto’s virtual currency. This currency can then be redeemed at participating local businesses. The program aims to motivate young people to actively engage in their communities while strengthening local economic ecosystems.

Allan possesses an incredible contagious positive energy. As a speaker and Ashoka Changemaker, he motivates and inspires other young people.

Allan from Zlto

I want to encourage young people to recognize their own potential and make a difference. Everyone can make a difference, and we should not accept things as they are. We have the power to change them.

Allan is a winner of the Google Impact Challenge South Africa, among other achievements. We are super happy to partner with Allan and Zlto to make a difference together!

Find out more on Zlto’s dooiy profile.

Zlto team picture
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What is dooiy?

Screenshot of dooiy web app on a mobile device

On dooiy you find fun and easy hacks that make life easier. Just follow our simple step-by-step guides and create something for your home or community with little materials and tools. Want to start a business? dooiy might be the perfect starting point for you.

Chris from dooiy

You don‘ t have to be an expert to start making with dooiy. Just choose an easy hack and get going. After you made a few, I am sure that you will come up with your own ideas.

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Who we are

dooiy is being developed by Hack Your Shack, a young non-profit organisation from Germany with a passionate team in Berlin and South Africa.

To fulfil our vision, we are looking for partners, volunteers, donors and people who spread the word.

Learn moreand become a partner

  • The dooiy project is supported by
  • German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
  • Impact Factory