MTN Uganda has donated school beds and mattresses worth Shs20 million to St Joseph’s Aid Society, a community-based organisation dedicated to improving the well-being of vulnerable learners in Kyankwanzi District.
Through its MTN Foundation, the telecom has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing community living conditions and empowering the next generation through the MTN Change Makers initiative.
The MTN Change Makers initiative has been a cornerstone of MTN Uganda's corporate social responsibility strategy, focusing on impactful projects that address critical needs in education, health, economic empowerment, and more.
This contribution to St. Joseph’s Aid Society is a testament to MTN Uganda's ongoing dedication, with the objective of providing safer and healthier living environments for the learners under the care of the society.
During the handover ceremony, Sylvia Mulinge, the CEO of MTN Uganda, said the contribution underscores their deep-rooted commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.
"These beds are not merely furniture; they are an essential part of our efforts to ensure that every child has a secure place to rest and recharge," she said.
"We believe that improving these basic living conditions is a step towards nurturing their potential and enabling them to focus on their education."
Mulinge emphasised MTN Uganda's belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, including access to better social services like education and health.
"At MTN Uganda, we firmly believe that collaboration is the key to achieving greater outcomes. Our partnership with St. Joseph’s Aid Society exemplifies our commitment to this belief and embodies our motto: 'Together, We're Unstoppable,"she said.
St. Joseph’s Aid Society, which offers shelter, care, and educational support to over 255 learners in the Kyankwanzi District, has been a beacon of hope for many families and learners facing life's toughest challenges.
The donation of 80 new school beds will help eliminate the health risks associated with poor sleeping conditions, such as exposure to cold and pests, thus promoting a healthier and more conducive environment for learning and growth.
"We are immensely grateful to MTN Uganda for their generous donation and for recognizing the urgent needs of our learners," said Rev Fr William Ggayi, the director of St Joseph’s Aid Society.
"These beds will significantly improve the daily lives of our kids, providing them not just comfort but also dignity," he said.
The handover event was attended by representatives from MTN Uganda, St Joseph’s Aid Society, local government officials, and members of the community, all of whom expressed their gratitude and support for the initiative.
Under the MTN Changemakers Initiative, the MTN Foundation allocated Shs500 million to 25 selected projects across the nation, focusing on economic empowerment, education, health, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
The initiative specifically targets youth, women, persons with disabilities, and rural communities.
Other beneficiaries of the initiative include Kalaa Mugosi Women Empowerment in Sironko, Safe Water Uganda in Gulu City, Soul Rescue Mission in Kyegegwa, Rotaract Club of Masaka, Prime Time at Makerere University in Kampala, and Tusitukire Wamu Development Association in Wakiso District.
Over the past decade, the MTN Foundation has dedicated Shs 30 billion to more than 250 projects in education, health, youth empowerment, water, sanitation, hygiene, and humanitarian response.
hese efforts have significantly impacted communities nationwide, cementing MTN Foundation's position as a catalyst for positive change and development in Uganda.
