MTN Uganda, under its transformative MTN Changemakers initiative, has handed over a fully refurbished and equipped youth centre to Tocau Karamoja, supporting the Akica Karamoja/Enlighten Karamoja project.
This significant contribution, valued at UGX 20 million, includes the provision of furniture, electricity, modern computer lab and internet connectivity, marking a milestone in MTN Uganda’s commitment to fostering digital literacy and promoting education within the Karamoja region.
The handover ceremony, attended by key community leaders, MTN Uganda representatives, and beneficiaries, celebrated the culmination of efforts to address the educational challenges faced by the youth in Nabilatuk District, Karamoja.
The region, known for its low educational attainment and limited access to ICT resources, stands on the brink of a digital revolution with this generous contribution from MTN Uganda through its philanthropic arm, MTN Foundation.
Dr Charles Nuwagaba, the Chief Community Officer for MTN Uganda in the Karamoja region and proprietor of Tiffan Enterprises, said the company’s support to Akica Karamoja project aligns perfectly with its Ambition 2025 strategy, which among others emphasises the importance of digital inclusion and the empowerment of youth through education.
“We at MTN believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life irrespective of social or economic background. We are therefore thrilled to partner with Tocau Karamoja to make this vision a reality,” he said.
He said there’s a need for more collaborations in the spirit of ‘Together We’re Unstoppable’ to inspire, innovate and invest in the endless potential of the youth.
This support comes as historical data paints a stark picture of educational attainment in Nabilatuk, with the district grappling with some of the lowest performance indicators countrywide. This, coupled with limited access to ICT and library services, has significantly hampered the educational and economic prospects of the youth in the region.
Tocau Karamoja Founder, Sylvia Ichumar Lorot, applauded MTN Uganda for the support saying it will significantly improve educational outcomes, enhance employability skills, and foster a culture of continuous learning among the youth in Karamoja, including girls and those with disabilities.
“This refurbished youth centre is now more than just a facility; it is now a beacon of hope, opening doors to opportunities that were once out of reach for many young people in Karamoja. Thank you so much MTN Uganda,” She said.
The MTN Foundation under the MTN Changemakers Initiative has earmarked UGX 500 million for 25 selected projects across the nation, spanning economic empowerment, education, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, targeting youth, women, persons with disabilities, and rural communities.
Some of the beneficiaries include; Kalaa Mugosi Women Empowerment in Sironko, Rotaract Club of Masaka, Prime Time at Makerere University in Kampala and Tusitukire Wamu Development Association in Wakiso District.
Over the last decade, the MTN Foundation has dedicated UGX 30 billion towards more than 250 projects in education, health, youth empowerment, water, sanitation and hygiene, and humanitarian response significantly impacting communities nationwide and cementing its position as a catalyst for positive change and development in Uganda.
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