MTN Foundation Launches Second Edition of the “Help Children Be Children” Campaign in Mukono

MTN Foundation, in partnership with the Maendeleo Foundation and other key stakeholders, has officially launched the second edition of the Help Children Be Children campaign. This initiative underscores MTN Uganda’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding children in the digital space, creating awareness, and promoting online safety.

Building on the success of the first edition, which focused on raising awareness about child online safety and reporting mechanisms, the second edition takes these efforts further. It introduces enhanced educational tools and initiatives aimed at empowering parents, caregivers, educators, and children with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Speaking at the launch in Mukono, Leah Natukunda Kyanzi, MTN Uganda’s Senior Manager Network Quality and Performance highlighted the organization’s dedication to child online safety. “The internet offers immense opportunities for learning and growth, but it also poses risks, especially for our children. At MTN Uganda, we believe that everybody deserves the benefits of a modern connect life. However, this vision is tempered by the responsibility to protect our most vulnerable users—children—from the potential dangers that accompany digital inclusion, and this campaign reflects that belief. Through education, partnerships, and innovative tools, we are committed to creating a safe online space where children can explore learning opportunities without fear,” she said.

The Help Children Be Children campaign continues to work closely with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to strengthen the Africa-wide online child safety portal, a critical resource for reporting instances of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The portal is accessible at Child Online Protection | MTN.com, providing a streamlined process for reporting harmful content.

Asia Komukama, the Executive Director of Maendeleo Foundation praised MTN Uganda’s ongoing efforts and commitment to protecting children in the digital age. “This campaign is not just about addressing the challenges of online safety; it’s about building a future where our children can thrive without fear. We applaud MTN Foundation for leading this charge and for its relentless support in making this vision a reality,” she remarked.

As part of this campaign, MTN Foundation is investing in state-of-the-art technology to proactively detect and prevent the spread of CSAM, while also conducting nationwide workshops for parents, teachers, and children through its digital literacy partners such as Maendeleo Foundation, Smart Girls Foundation, the Burn Radio, Pinkcode, Faces Up and Internet Society Uganda Chapter. These workshops are designed to provide practical tips and tools to enhance digital literacy and safeguard against online threats.

Reiterating MTN Uganda’s long-term commitment, the MTN Uganda Representative added, “Our work does not stop here. MTN Uganda, through the MTN Foundation, will continue to invest in meaningful initiatives that protect our children and ensure they enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life, free from harm and exploitation. Together, with our partners and communities, we will create a safer digital world for the next generation.”

MTN Uganda urges everyone to play an active role in protecting children online. If you encounter suspicious activity, you are encouraged to report it immediately through the portal.