Telecommunications giant MTN Uganda through its MTN Foundation has constructed classroom blocks at two secondary schools in Ibanda District.
This is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects the MTN Foundation has undertaken as the company celebrates 20 years of operation in Uganda.
The classroom blocks were constructed at PEAS Aspire High School and Noble PEAS High School all located in Ibanda district.
The two projects are worth over 300 Million shillings.
At PEAS Aspire High School- located along the Ibanda- Kamwenge road , MTN Foundation constructed a 3 fully – stocked classrooms block that will accommodate the School’s A’ Level section and the facility was handed over to the school community on Wednesday afternoon at the school premises.
Speaking at the handover event, Bryan Mbasa, Manager MTN Foundation noted that the Partnership between MTN and PEAS has been an amazing one and has been fruitful. “Our partnership with PEAS started 3 years ago. This project that we have undertaken will bring the first A’ level students in the PEAS history in Uganda and this makes us proud,” he said adding that MTN will install a solar system in the constructed block and also will continue supporting efforts aimed at extending quality affordable education to Ugandans.
Speaking at the same event, Unia Nakityo the Regional programs manager – PEAS observed that the is a big challenge in the education system across Africa. According to Nakityo, many go through primary level but when it comes to secondary, they drop out. “This is because of the expenses involved at this level but good partnerships like the one we have with MTN Uganda have enabled us to unlock the full potential of these children,” she added, drawing a huge round of applause from the students.
A total of 28 Schools under PEAS have benefited from this partnership and of these, 11 are in Western Uganda. “Many times we have been disabled by lack of space where students can study from. Country wide, MTN has contributed 30 classroom blocks benefiting 45,000 learners,” Nakityo noted.
Peter Rwabutomize – who represented the Ibanda Municipal Education Officer hailed the partnership between PEAS and the MTN Foundation adding that this partnership has made it possible for students who would be out of school to access secondary education.
Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS) is a UK-based charity that builds, develops and runs low fee secondary schools in Uganda. It also runs the same model in other countries like Zambia.
By Cliff Abenaitwe
mbararanews@gmail.com
