Under the auspices of the ICT Clubs for Primary Schools initiative, the MTN Uganda Foundation today handed over 25 computers to 5 primary schools that are currently participating in the project.
The ICT Clubs for Primary Schools initiative is part of the MTN Uganda Foundation strategy that focuses on investment in education currently being implemented in Kampala with the objective of creating social and peer-to-peer learning of information technology solutions from the grass root of the educational structures.
“We hope to achieve quality education by setting up ICT clubs in primary schools, training learners and teachers and donating hardware and free internet connectivity to the clubs. This will be followed by the setting up of a universal e-learning portal that will facilitate knowledge sharing amongst the schools,” said Anthony Katamba, MTN’s General Manager Corporate Services.
The project intended to cover the entire country, kicked off in Kampala covering five (5) selected schools which included; Kiswa Primary School, Nakasero Primary School, Buganda Road Primary School, Kitante Primary School and Bat Valley Primary School.
The schools were selected based on availability of a dedicated computer room, availability of electricity and internet connectivity and commitment of administration to the project sustainability.
Each of the schools has currently undergone ICT training for students and teachers through the MTN Internet Bus and internet connectivity has been setup for the respective schools.
The MTN Internet Bus spent one week at each school and delivered experiential introductory education on computers and the internet for the students and teachers.
MTN will also support the schools with free high speed internet access of up to 1Mbps for one year.
Today’s handover ceremony was hosted by the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority, Ms. Jennifer Musisi.
She applauded MTN Uganda for today’s donation of computers to KCCA schools, adding that this extension of good will comes only days after MTN also identified KCCA as beneficiaries of the MTN Kampala Marathon.
“We are delighted to receive this generous contribution from MTN. It will go a long way in improving ICT education in our schools. I appeal to other corporate organizations to emulate MTN and support the community,” she said.
Officiating as Guest of Honor at today’s ceremony, the South African High Commissioner, who is also a trustee member of MTN Foundation, Prof. Maj. Gen (Rtd) L. S. Mollo urged the benefitting schools to utilize the equipment to improve the quality of education.
“We live in an era where ICT is the core of all aspects of our lives. MTN Foundation’s donation of computers is a sign of its commitment to pursue its vision of promoting ICT Education in Uganda,” he noted.
Following the handover of computers, the MTN Foundation will work together with KCCA and the schools to setup the ICT clubs, each with a patron.
