Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC and UNICEF have partnered to provide free access to the U-Report platform in an effort to empower youth nationwide.
According to the announcement made by Safaricom Ethiopia on Tuesday, the platform users will benefit from free messaging services for a year as part of this program. Through providing them with essential information and improving community communication, this cooperation demonstrates Safaricom Ethiopia’s commitment to assisting youngsters, especially in rural areas.
Read also: Safaricom Ethiopia donates 10 million ETB to Mekedonia Charity supporting the aged and disabled
About U-Report
U-Report is a cutting-edge youth messaging app developed by UNICEF International with the goal of teaching youth how to participate in social development programs, such as community assistance and disaster response.
U-Report, which has over 36.1 million users across 99 countries, is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people. Over 17,000 people have joined the network since its January 2024 launch in Ethiopia.
Advantages of the Safaricom–UNICEF partnership
The new agreement opens the door for the distribution of important information about social development, health, and education, with a focus on people without smartphones.
By bridging the digital divide, this free messaging service gives young people in rural areas the chance to participate in decision-making processes and obtain crucial information.
As part of its dedication to digital transformation, youth empowerment, and community development, Safaricom Ethiopia is aggressively growing its 4G network services.
By providing free access to U-Report, the organisation is promoting youth involvement, information availability, and significant community contributions.
Read also: Safaricom Ethiopia donates 30 laptops, 6 Wi-Fi routers to schools
Beyond telecom services
This recent development of Safaricom’s partnership with UNICEF to empower Ethiopian young people through U-Report is a testament to the dedication of the telecommunication company to make impact beyond providing telecommunication services.
On Saturday, the company donated 10 million ETB to the Mekedonia Charity Organisation to support their work in providing hope, dignity, and care for the elderly and disabled.
“We believe in the power of the community, and today we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to making a meaningful difference,” the company stated.
As part of its continued commitment, it also provided free Air-fiber connectivity for the fundraising period and a dedicated M-PESA Ethiopia charity donation section and short code to make it simpler for Ethiopians to support Mekedonia’s mission. This will help with fast and dependable data connectivity needs.
Likewise on Friday, Safaricom gave vital support to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Gebi Resu Zone, Dulesa, and Awash Fentale woredas in the Afar area in solidarity with the communities impacted by the recent earthquake.
In addition to clothing and sanitary supplies gathered from its employees, its assistance consists of 25 quintals of macaroni and 25 quintals of rice valued at one million birr.