Kyankwanzi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | MTN Uganda, under the auspices of its MTN Foundation, yesterday handed over school beds and mattresses worth sh20 million to St. Joseph’s Aid Society, a community-based organization dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable learners in Kyankwanzi District.
This gesture is part of MTN Uganda’s broader commitment to improving community living conditions and empowering the next generation through the MTN Changemakers initiative.
Since its inception, the MTN Changemakers 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.
The donation to St. Joseph’s Aid Society represents a continuation of this commitment, aiming to provide safer and healthier living environments for the learners under the society’s care.
“Today’s contribution underscores our deep-rooted commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve,” said MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge at the handover ceremony.
“These beds are not just furniture; they are a crucial part of our efforts to ensure that every child has a safe place to rest and recharge. We believe that improving these basic living conditions is a step towards nurturing their potential and enabling them to focus on their education.”
Mulinge said MTN Uganda believes that everyone believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, and this includes 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 added.
St. Joseph’s Aid Society, which provides 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, thereby promoting a healthier, 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.”
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.
The MTN Foundation under the MTN Changemakers Initiative 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 other beneficiaries 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 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.