In an effort to support inclusive education, MTN Uganda, through its MTN Changemakers initiative, donated computers, a workstation, and desks valued at UGX 20 million to St. Mary Gorreti Secondary School in Ngetta on Monday.
The school, which was founded last year by the Itinga Charity Education Foundation (ICEF) and its partners, currently serves Senior One and Senior Two students. There are 45 students enrolled, 10 of whom are completely blind and 12 of whom have low or partial blindness.
To help visually impaired students learn, the contribution includes 40 desks and three desktop computers with Braille JAWS software. The donation creates 80 extra learning spaces and guarantees that every student has a comfortable place to study.
During the handover ceremony, Brian Kagwisagye, the Regional Business Manager for Northern Uganda at MTN, reiterated the company’s dedication to promoting universal access to education.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for empowerment, yet for many learners with disabilities, access remains a challenge. Our support to St. Mary Gorreti Secondary School, Ngetta, reflects our belief that no child should be left behind. Through technology and infrastructure support, we hope to enable these students to pursue their ambitions unhindered,” he said.
Read also: Africa Startup Factory awards N10 million to 10 women-led tech startups
MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 strategy
Brian pointed out that this MTN Foundation-led intervention is a component of MTN Uganda’s larger Ambition 2025 strategy, which seeks to advance education for all Ugandans in addition to fostering financial and digital inclusion. He went on to say that the program supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, specifically Goal 4 (high-quality education) and Goal 10 (less inequality).
By making sure that students with disabilities have access to the resources they need to succeed academically, ICEF—the organisation that founded the school— continues to promote inclusive education.
ICEF Executive Director Acen Kevin praised MTN Uganda’s contribution, saying:
“This initiative will significantly enhance the learning experience of our students, particularly those with visual impairments. By providing assistive technology and improving classroom infrastructure, MTN Uganda is not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive educational system.”
Read also: Wema Bank celebrates innovation and inclusion at Hackaholics 5.0 finale
MTN Uganda to invest UGX 500 million in 25 projects nationwide
Brian added that MTN Uganda is investing UGX 500 million in 25 projects nationwide as part of the second edition of the MTN Changemakers Initiative, assisting groups that are promoting change in important areas like economic development, health, and education.
In addition, MTN Uganda has provided support for educational initiatives under the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation: vocational training through the Hands of Hope Skilling Centre in Iganga, the Empowering Single Mothers and Deprived Children in Education (ESMDCE) initiative in Kabarole, and paediatric cancer care at the Bless a Child Foundation.
MTN Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to creating a lasting impact in communities throughout the nation last year by investing UGX 500 million in 25 community-driven projects through the MTN Changemakers initiative.