MTN Uganda staff and partners support Katakwi School with computers, solar power in Shs 250 million boost

Students show MTN’s Mulinge (middle) how they intend to use their computers

Katakwi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | MTN Uganda staff, along with their partners, have extended support worth over Shs 250 million to Ongongoja Secondary School in Katakwi District, Eastern Uganda, as part of the “30 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign.

This initiative was launched last week in a volunteerism drive presided over by Filbert Ocailap, the Karenga Resident District Commissioner, who represented Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, and attended by the Katakwi district leaders.

Ocailap lauded MTN for its visionary initiative that is bound to improve learning outcomes for the students of Ongongoja Secondary School. “I extend my sincere appreciation to the staff of MTN Uganda, led by their visionary CEO, Sylvia Mulinge, for this wonderful gesture. This initiative seamlessly aligns with our government’s ambition of providing inclusive and quality education for all children in Uganda,” he said.

This initiative, an extension of the longstanding “21 Days of Y’ello Care,” celebrates MTN Group’s 30th anniversary and underscores the company’s commitment to effecting positive change in the communities it serves. The theme of this year’s campaign, “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow: Education for Rural and Remote Communities,” highlights MTN’s dedication to bridging the educational divide in underprivileged areas, aligning with Uganda Vision 2040 and Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocate for inclusive and quality education for all.

Under this year’s initiative, MTN Uganda staff are extending comprehensive support to Ongogoja Community Secondary School in Katakwi District. In line with the company’s vision of providing the benefits of a modern connected life to all, the school will benefit from the setup of 20 computers with a one-year internet subscription, providing vital digital access for students and teachers. Students will receive digital and financial training via the MTN Internet Bus, while teachers will benefit from continuous professional development on the new curriculum, ensuring the highest standards of education delivery.

Additionally, the initiative includes the construction of a ventilated improved pit latrine for girls, the installation of a water source, and menstrual hygiene training to support female students. The establishment of a modern kitchen, a school garden for vegetables, and concrete seats under tree shade further enhance the learning environment.

According to the Katakwi District Education Officer, Angella Atim who was in attendance of the event, Ongongoja Secondary School, a government-aided institution in Ongongoja sub-county, Katakwi district, serves 735 students (419 boys and 316 girls) and is the sole secondary school participating in the Universal Secondary Education program in the area.

“As a government-aided school, Ongongoja Secondary School relies on government grants and contributions from well-wishers to support its various programs and initiatives. I am humbled and grateful that the staff of MTN have extended their support to our school. I appeal to other well-wishers to join us in supporting the future of our nation by contributing to education for all,” said Atim.

Sylvia Mulinge, the Chief Executive Officer at MTN Uganda, highlighted the importance of this year’s initiative citing the limited access to ICT in rural schools and the importance of integrating technology in learning, today.

“While access to ICT equipment remains a significant challenge for students in rural areas, MTN Uganda is committed to transforming this landscape, one school at a time, by providing computers and ensuring constant access to electricity.  By integrating technology into learning environments, we are actively narrowing the digital divide and actively demonstrating our commitment to providing digital solutions for Uganda’s progress”, said Mulinge.

This year’s MTN Y’ello Care campaign has already benefited other institutions, including Kansanga Seed Secondary School in Kampala, St. Joseph’s Aid Society in Kyankwanzi District, and Ariwa Secondary School in Yumbe. Upcoming beneficiaries include Bishop Dunstan Nsubuga Memorial School and Nekemeya Seed Secondary School in Kalangala District.

Beyond this campaign, MTN Uganda continues to enhance educational outcomes through initiatives like the MTN Skills Academy and MTN ACE, which develop digital skills crucial for today’s job market.

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