- The MTN Uganda Foundation, together with Fenix International Uganda as an implementing partner has partnered to light up 30 schools in Kamuli District.
- Kamuli district is one of the acute power shortages even if it is connected to the national grid.
- The MTN Foundation has donated 150 solar kits to the Kamuli schools. Fenix International Uganda will install and maintain the kits.
The MTN Uganda Foundation has partnered with Fenix International Uganda to provide power and lighting for selected schools in Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda. 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.
The donation is part of an initiative by the foundation worth 380 million in which a total of 550 customized solar kits will be provided for schools in different parts of the country.
The 30 schools in Kamuli will receive a total of 150 kits. 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 and another 100 were installed in schools and health centers in Buvuma Islands.
Fenix International Uganda will install and maintain the kits to ensure the project’s sustainability.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, MTN Uganda GM Corporate Services Enid Edroma explained that 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 and provide a secure environment while increasing enrollment.
Kamuli district is one of the areas in Uganda that suffers acute power shortages despite being connected to the national grid. This has affected performance of school children since revision time is hampered each time there is no electricity. Kamuli is also not among the top-ranking districts in Uganda in all examinations.
“By providing solar lighting, learners can be able to read for longer as they prepare for their forthcoming exams. Their safety is also guaranteed especially those in boarding schools who are staying in dormitories without light,” Enid said.
Enid said that the world is now a global village where competition doesn’t consider your personal circumstances. “There are no more special considerations for people because of the circumstances under which you studied. In the market place, you compete on equal footing. We don’t want the children here to get very disadvantaged and that’s why we at MTN decided to lend a helping hand to give them a fighting chance.”
“As the MTN Foundation, we are passionate about education and we hope that by lighting up these schools, the students can have better chances to study and perform better in their national exams,”Enid said.
The RT.Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of Parliament and the woman MP for Kamuli thanked MTN for the gesture.
“Kamuli district has a lot of potential but we have been facing some limitation such as power shortage among other things. What MTN has done here is something very good and we are very grateful. The Onus is now on our children, teachers and our medical personal to properly utilize these facilities in a sustainable manner for our own good,” Kadaga said.
The MTN Foundation has undertaken to support a number of government initiatives in the education sub-sector. MTN Foundation has been building and rehabilitating schools in various parts of Uganda in partnership with PEAS. MTN Foundation has also been extending ICT knowledge to rural schools using the MTN ICT bus. The bus is fully equipped with ICT facilities with which the children and given basic ICT training.