MTN Uganda Enhances Digital Tools and Infrastructure at Ariwa Secondary School

MTN Uganda, along with its partners, last Friday, marked a significant extension of support to Ariwa Secondary School in Yumbe District, West Nile region, as part of the “30 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign.

This initiative, an extension of the longstanding “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.

Ariwa Secondary School, which provides education to over 1,000 students, including refugees from neighboring countries and members of the host community, received 20 computers connected to the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) to enable students and teachers’ access educational content aligned with the newly introduced Competence-Based Curriculum.

These computers are equipped with a fully paid one-year internet subscription to enhance digital learning opportunities. Additionally, digital skills training was conducted through the MTN Internet Bus, equipping students with essential digital competencies.

The initiative also featured technological enhancements with the installation of solar panels to guarantee a reliable power supply for the school’s facilities and computers. To further support the well-being of female students, a dedicated facility was constructed, and training on menstrual hygiene was provided to foster a supportive learning environment.

In an effort to promote sustainability and improve the school’s surroundings, 100 fruit trees were planted, reflecting MTN Uganda’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Sen Somdev, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN Uganda, emphasized the transformative impact of education: “By integrating technology into learning environments, we open up a world of opportunities for students in underserved areas. Our staff are dedicated to supporting and nurturing the potential of every community to achieve a brighter, more sustainable future.”

This initiative is particularly timely as the government rolls out the competence-based curriculum.

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.

The campaign has already benefited other institutions, including Kansanga Seed Secondary School in Kampala and St. Joseph’s Aid Society in Kyankwanzi District. Upcoming beneficiaries include Ongongoja Secondary School in Katakwi District, Bishop Dunstan Nsubuga Memorial School, and Nekemeya Seed Secondary School in Kalangala District.

Beyond this campaign, MTN Uganda continues to enhance educational outcomes through initiatives like the MTN Skills Academy and MTN ACE, which develop digital skills crucial for today’s job market.

Additionally, the MTN Changemakers initiative, launched last year, supports individuals, organizations

30 Days of Y’ello Care partners

OrganisationRole
1. Tecno Mobile UgandaSet up teacher resource centres in four rural schools
2. Maendeleo FoundationDigital and Financial literacy Training
3. Sense InternationalInclusive education
4.American Tower Corporation UgandaProvide solar power in Katakwi
5. Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS)Teacher Continuous Professional Development
6. FacesupFacilitate Art for livelihood
7. National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC)Provide eLearning platform with new curriculum content for teachers and learners
8. BAmentorProvide scholastic materials
9. BurnRadioYouth life skilling and empowerment
10. Casey Foundation AfricaCombating teen pregnancies and early child marriages in rural communities
11. Wazi Vision limitedFree eye checkups and consultation in rural communities
12. PinkCodeDigital skilling in remote areas and digital human rights in teens to combat internet abuse, bullying and vices
13. Klaire MakeoversReading advocate and motivator of dreaming big
14. Malaika Reusable pads and Jars of ClayPromote retention and learning outcomes
15. MFI Office SolutionProvide printer to school
16.Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (MoICT&NG)Lead on Digital Transformation Road Map
17. Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES)Lead on education policy
18. Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD)Advocate for Youth and children affairs
19. Centenary Technology ServicesFacilitate digital literacy
20. Centenary FoundationProvide scholastic materials
21. Financial Markets ConsultantProvide financial literacy
22. Ministry of Kampala and MetropolitanPolicy oversight and delivery of integrated quality urban services 
23. Kampala Capital City AuthorityDeliver Quality education Services to the City
24. Gejja Women FoundationMenstrual Hygiene Training
25.Roofings GroupProvide 500 fruit trees
26. Stanbic BankSupport with education facilities in Yumbe and Katakwi
27. Rak EngineeringSupport towards school infrastructure project
28. Chrif Enterprises
29. Rontech Group
30. Coolwave
31. Enetworks
32. Pavicon EngineeringProvide scholastic materials
33. MUBS EIICFacilitate in career guidance sessions
34 Exquisite SolutionsFund girls’ scholastic materials
35. 212 SaccoSupport towards water system in Katakwi

Anita Atuhaire