76 pupils at the Uganda School for the Deaf have been awarded certificates for completing a week-long ICT training, a transformative initiative facilitated by MTN Uganda’s corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, under the acclaimed MTN Internet Bus program.
This strategic endeavor represents a significant milestone in MTN’s commitment to ensuring that every learner, irrespective of their abilities, is equipped with essential ICT skills to thrive in the digital age.
The comprehensive training covered fundamental aspects of ICT, including computer basics, keyboard and mouse skills, file management, and an introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In addition, the learners also gained hands-on experience in creating and using emails, understanding Google tools, internet research, online safety, and filling out online forms.
During the award ceremony, MTN Uganda’s General Manager for wholesale and carrier services at MTN Uganda Ms. Juliet Nsubuga said, “This ICT training underscores MTN’s belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, ensuring that all individuals thrive in this ongoing 4th industrial revolution.”
Nsubuga emphasized the immense potential of ICT to transform communities, playing a pivotal role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
Ms. Juliet Tumuhairwe, the headmistress for the Uganda School for the Deaf applauded the telco for the initiative and for equipping the learners with the ICT skills that will benefit them.
Since its inauguration in 2016, the MTN Internet Bus initiative has traversed 125 schools and communities across 75 districts, positively impacting a remarkable 42,567 learners. The primary focus of the initiative is to prepare learners and teachers for the challenges of the digital age, emphasizing essential computer usage and internet skills crucial for research and community development.
MTN Uganda’s commitment to ICT in education extends beyond specific training sessions. Through its other initiative dubbed Digital Access Program, its CSR arm; MTN Foundation continues to support ICT education for disabled learners in various schools through the provision of essential ICT equipment such as computers, projectors, printers, sound amplifiers, power backup, and a dedicated maintenance plan for one year.
Among the schools that have benefited from this initiative are; Ngora School for the Deaf and Salaama School for the Blind — with the foundation planning on extending the same to Masaka School for the Deaf, Hornby High School Kabale, and Gulu High School later this month.
The company’s dedication is further manifested in its role in establishing over 42 ICT labs in various educational institutions across the country.
This commitment extends to supporting technical institutes as well, including Amelo Technical Institute in Adjumani District, St. Simon Peter’s Vocational Training Centre in Hoima District, and St. Daniel Comboni Polytechnic in Moroto District.
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