By Our Reporter
The MTN Uganda Foundation has partnered with Fenix International Uganda to provide power and lighting for selected schools and health centers in Buvuma Island. Fenix International Uganda is a next-generation energy and technology company whose mission is to improve the quality of life of customers through inclusive energy.
In the partnership worth 380 million, MTN Foundation has provided 550 customized solar kits for schools and health facilities. Fenix International Uganda will install and maintain the kits to ensure the project’s sustainability. Under a similar project in June this year, MTN donated and installed 100 solar kits in Bunambutye resettlement camp in Bulambuli district in Eastern Uganda.
The project dubbed “Light up a Village” is aimed at improving performance of learners in schools by increasing reading time especially in the night, to enhance teacher preparation for lessons, provide considering that Buvuma was ranked among the worst performing districts in Last year’s Primary Leaving examinations. The district also suffers a poor learner retention capacity due to a host of challenges faced by both learners and teachers.
Speaking at the Handover of the solar kits, Mr. Bryan Mbasa, the Acting Senior Manager, MTN Foundation noted that: “By providing solar lighting, learners can be able to read for longer as they prepare for their forth-coming exams. Their safety is also guaranteed especially those in boarding schools who are staying in dormitories without light.”
Mr. Mbasa further noted that with the availability of solar power, students can now have access to computers as a way of preparing them for the digital era.
Niarami seed Secondary school, Namunyolo P/S, Bukaali community P/S, Bulondo P/S, Namakeba P/S, Lukoma P/S, KitikoP/S, Buyuba P/S, Bugaya P/S are the schools that will benefit from the project.
Under health, the project will provide lighting for Migadde and Kifulu Health centers. This is aimed at supporting maternal health in the region by ensuring that mothers can access round the clock services from these health centers.
“As the MTN Foundation, we are passionate about maternal health and we hope that by lighting up these health centers, mothers can access health services at any time,” Mr. Mbasa said.
Hon. Robert Migadde, the Member of Parliament, Buvuma district thanked MTN for the noble gesture towards the schools and health centers.
“Given that we are a hard to reach area which is off the national power grid, this project is a life-changing one for this area. Our children will now be able to study better and our health facilities can now provide the residents with the much-needed night services,” Hon. Migadde said.
