Summary:
- MTN Uganda staff and their partners extended support worth over UGX 250 million to Ongongoja Secondary School in Katakwi District, Eastern Uganda, as part of the “30 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign.
KATAKWI: MTN Uganda has donated 20 computers and provided free internet access to Ongongoja Senior Secondary School, aiming to increase access to digital learning among underserved schools and improve education quality in the country.
MTN Uganda staff and their partners extended support worth over UGX 250 million to Ongongoja Secondary School in Katakwi District, Eastern Uganda, as part of the “30 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the staff of MTN Uganda, led by their visionary CEO, Ms. 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,” said Filbert Ocailap.
This initiative, an extension of the long-standing “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.
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 trees has further enhanced the learning environment.
Meanwhile, the Katakwi District Education Officer, Angela Atim, who attended the event, highlighted that 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.
Paul Walakira, CAO Katakwi, urged parents to prioritize education and confirmed his commitment to work hard with the education department to ensure all pupils and students in Katakwi receive quality education.
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.
“While access to ICT equipment remains a significant challenge for students in rural areas, MTN Uganda is committed to transforming this landscape by providing computers and ensuring constant access to electricity. By integrating technology into learning environments, we are actively narrowing the digital divide and demonstrating our commitment to providing digital solutions for Uganda’s progress,” said Mulinge.
This year’s MTN Yellow 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.
Mulinge added that MTN Uganda carries out this initiative annually in June to engage with communities and solidify its positive impact on the communication network in Uganda.
Dorothy Semanda, CEO of American Tower Connection Uganda (ATC), thanked MTN Uganda for their support to Ongongoja Senior Secondary School.
Geoffrey Omolo, chairperson LCV Katakwi, expressed gratitude to MTN’s management for their initiative benefiting the students of Katakwi District. He urged the people of Katakwi to support education as a tool for family development and asked school authorities to safeguard the equipment for future generations.
MJ Rtd Geoffrey Katamba, the resident district commissioner of Katakwi District, emphasized the government’s plans to eradicate poverty and appealed to the community to embrace government programs such as PDM, Emyonga, Youth Livelihood Program, WEP, and GROW to improve household status in Katakwi.
This initiative was launched on Friday, June 21, 2024, in a volunteerism drive presided over by Filbert Ocailap, the Karenga Resident District Commissioner, on behalf of H.E. Rtd Maj Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, and attended by Katakwi district leaders. Ocailap lauded MTN for its visionary initiative to improve learning outcomes for the students of Ongongoja Secondary School.
On October 21, 1998, MTN Uganda launched commercial services in Uganda, just six months after acquiring and signing the license.
