Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | MTN Uganda staff, in partnership with various stakeholders, has launched a special 30-day edition of the beloved employee volunteerism initiative, “21 Days of Y’ello Care,” extending it to 30 days this year in celebration of MTN Group’s 30th anniversary.
Themed “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow: Education for Rural and Remote Communities,” the initiative seeks to address persistent educational disparities faced by underserved regions within Uganda.
This special edition reiterates MTN’s steadfast commitment to driving innovation, connectivity, and impactful social initiatives across the African continent over the past three decades.
The campaign launched yesterday at Kansanga Seed Secondary School in Kampala, starting with the provision of 20 computers fully connected with one year of paid internet service worth to serve the institution’s 1,700 students, will equip students with the digital skills needed in evolving workplaces.
Furthermore, MTN Uganda staff and partners equipped the students with digital skills through the mobile training facility, MTN Internet Bus. They also constructed a multi-purpose student shade, planted fruit trees and vegetables, installed water purifiers, and enhanced female students’ skills to produce reusable sanitary pads, emphasizing sustainability and health alongside education.
Other educational institutions set to benefit from this year’s campaign include St. Joseph’s Aid Society in Kyankwanzi District, Ongongoja Secondary School in Katakwi District, Ariwa Secondary School in Yumbe District, Bishop Dunstan Nsubuga Memorial School, and Nekemeya Seed Secondary School in Kalangala District.
Running until June 30, 2024, this year’s campaign prioritizes supporting marginalized groups severely impacted by economic factors, including youth, women, and differently-abled persons, ensuring inclusivity in its educational initiatives.
“MTN believes in the power of education to transform lives and communities. By integrating technology into learning environments, we are opening up a world of opportunities for students in underserved areas,” said Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda.
“Our engagement with Kansanga Seed Secondary School is just the beginning of a broader initiative that will reach several other schools across the country.”
“By empowering communities through education, MTN is helping to cultivate future leaders who will drive socio-economic development in Uganda and beyond. We are excited to see the positive changes that the 30 Days of Y’ello Care will bring, and we are committed to continuing our support for education as a cornerstone of a thriving society,” Mulinge added.
This development comes as the government is implementing the Competence-Based Curriculum, but a section of teachers and students are struggling to access hard copy study materials.
Wasimbi Kato, the head teacher at Kansanga Seed Secondary School applauded MTN Uganda staff for their contribution.
“We are truly grateful to the MTN Uganda staff for their support. This assistance will empower our students to acquire digital skills, equipping them to thrive in the modern job market where technology is paramount,” he said.
Dorothy Kisaka, the Executive Director at Kampala Capital City Authority, represented by the Authority’s Director for Social Services, Jimmy Amatre, expressed appreciation for the telecom’s support to Kansanga Seed Secondary School, noting its transformative impact on students’ lives and their communities.
“We at KCCA applaud MTN Uganda and its partners for their unwavering support. This assistance, particularly the provision of computers, will enable students to gain more knowledge and shape their future careers,” she said.
Now in its 17th year, 21 Days of Y’ello Care is MTN’s flagship employee volunteerism program, reflecting the company’s core belief in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.
Since its inception in 2007, the program has seen MTN employees across Africa actively volunteer each June, underscoring MTN’s role as a socially responsible corporate citizen. Employees dedicate their skills and resources to projects focusing on critical societal needs, spanning education, health, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
Last year, MTN Uganda extended support to 10 groups, including Refugee and Hope International, Every Shelter’s Bashe Bora Project, Bumu Disability Development Association in Luwero District, Take-a-Step Women’s Organisation in Hoima City, King of Kings Multi-Investment and Consultancy Farms Ltd in Kitgum District, and Teso Textile in Soroti City.
The MTN Foundation is also involved in several other youth empowerment initiatives. These include the MTN Skills Academy and MTN Ace program, which seek to provide young people with essential digital skills, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities in Uganda.
Author:: Bagombeka Job
