Johannesburg – Volunteers from across MTN’s global footprint will again cast the spotlight on the digitisation of teaching and learning, when the company’s annual employee volunteer programme, 21 Days of Y’ello Care, kicks off on 1 June.
For the third consecutive year, MTN employees will unite under the theme of “Investing in education for all”, as they embark on various educational projects for 21 days in June.
“Digitisation of learning and teaching is particularly close to our heart at MTN. In fact, MTN Foundations are already doing a great deal of work with our commercial partners and communities in various countries. We are therefore excited that through Y’ello Care, employees have an opportunity to further contribute towards closing the digital divide in our communities, more so amongst learners and teachers in remote parts of the countries where MTN operates,” says Xolisa Vapi, General Manager for MTN Group Corporate Affairs.
In Kenya, MTN Business employee volunteers will oversee the supply of connectivity for a digital library they will create as part of their Y’ello Care activities at the Maralal Primary School in Samburu County. The library will give the more than 2000 learners and 72 teachers at the school access to digital content for better learning and teaching.
Across the border in Uganda, MTN volunteers will setup fully-functional community ICT Hubs in the Central, North and East Regions. The hubs will include computers, internet connectivity, electricity, furniture and Microsoft certified training. MTN employees will contribute financially towards the purchase of the necessary ICT and associated infrastructure, as well as the refurbishment of existing structures housing the hubs.
“It is truly humbling that despite the tough financial times everyone is facing, employees continue to dig deep into their pockets to fund most of these Y’ello Care initiatives. As a company, we are proud to have such a calibre of people,” says Vapi.
As with their colleagues in Uganda, MTN volunteers in South Africa have also raised funds for their Y’ello Care activities. Some of the fundraising activities included auctions, quiz competitions and a half marathon. As part of their programme, MTN employees in South Africa will help refurbish a library at the Diepsloot Combined School, north of Johannesburg. Employees will return to the same school towards the end of the programme to donate and setup a computer lab.
In West Africa, MTN Cameroon employees have also raised funds to contribute towards the building of classrooms for Central African Republic refugee children. In addition to building the classrooms, employees will also provide learners with educational material. The employee volunteers in Cameroon will also partner with the UNHCR, Plan Cameroon and Ministry of Basic Education to introduce underprivileged children at six social care institutions to the use of ICT and social media. To ensure they remain connected beyond the duration of the programme, each centre will be equipped with a computer, receive internet connectivity.
In Guinea Bissau, MTN employees plan to roll up their sleeves and assist in the construction of community schools in Bor and Camura. Employees will help the communities with construction materials and also carry out some voluntary work in the construction.
MTN employees in Ivory Coast will focus on improving access to education in primary schools. As a result, during the 21 days, they will build, refurbish and supply essential equipment to schools in Abidjan, Tikakro (Central Region) and San Pedro, in the South West Region.