MTN Uganda invests Shs 327 million in a new classroom block to boost education in Soroti District

MTN Uganda, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has today officially inaugurated a new school block at Ocokican Community Secondary School in Ocokican Sub-County, Soroti District, in Eastern Uganda.

This significant development includes two classrooms, a laboratory, 60 desks, 10 lab tables, 60 stools, a water harvesting system, two sanitary facilities, and a borehole. The total investment for this project is Shs327 million, further demonstrating MTN Uganda’s commitment to supporting education and community development across the country.

The commissioning of this new school block is a key milestone in MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which is focused on enhancing the quality of education, promoting digital inclusion, and improving living standards. The investment also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge emphasized the vital role of education in transforming communities.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” she quoted Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected President of South Africa, underscoring the pivotal role education plays in shaping the future.

 “This new school block is more than just a building; it represents a foundation of hope and the beginning of a brighter future for the students and the entire community.”

Mulinge stated that MTN Uganda believes everyone should not only enjoy the benefits of a modern, connected life but also have access to quality education.

 “These new classrooms symbolize the aspirations of the students, families, and the entire community,” she noted. “We believe that when young minds are given the right tools and environment, they will rise to the occasion and shape the future.”

The Ocokican Community Secondary School was established in 2022 to address the urgent need for secondary education facilities in the area. Previously, students had to travel 10 to 15 kilometers to access secondary schools, a distance that made education inaccessible for many. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the community, the school’s enrollment has surged by 79% in just six months, from 67 to 120 students. This remarkable growth underscores the importance of local investments in education.

With the addition of new classrooms and a fully equipped laboratory, the school now offers a more comprehensive educational experience, enabling students to benefit from practical, hands-on learning. The installation of a water harvesting system and borehole not only ensures reliable access to clean water but also enhances health and sanitation for both students and the broader community.

Florence Abago, the head teacher of Ocokican Community Secondary School, expressed deep appreciation for MTN Uganda’s support.

“Today marks a new chapter for our school and our students,” she said. “This new school block will provide a nurturing environment where our learners can thrive, and we are immensely grateful to MTN Uganda for their generous contribution. The investment in education is an investment in our community’s future, and we are excited to see the positive impact this will have on our students and their dreams.”

Anna Ebaju Adeke, the Woman Member of Parliament for Soroti District, said she is pleased to be in leadership at a time when MTN Uganda is making a tangible difference in education in her area.

“I am privileged to serve at a time when organizations like MTN Uganda are stepping up to support education in our communities. This initiative is not just an investment in schools but in the future of our children,” she said.

She also commended the foundation for its commitment to transforming lives through education and ensuring that every child has a chance to succeed.

Over the years, MTN Uganda has made substantial investments in the educational infrastructure of several schools, including Salama School for the Blind in Mukono, Horizon International High School in Isingiro, and Aspire High School in Ibanda District.

These efforts are part of MTN Uganda’s ongoing commitment to improving learning environments and expanding access to quality education for students countrywide.

The MTN Uganda Foundation is a not-for-profit legal entity that was inaugurated in July 2007 as a vehicle through which MTN Uganda implements its corporate social investments (CSI). The Foundation strives to improve the quality of life in communities where MTN Uganda operates in a sustainable way. Its purpose is to bring about meaningful, measurable, and sustainable change that helps disadvantaged and rural communities to become self-sufficient. With a focus on innovative technology, we aim to uplift communities towards independence in this bold new digital world. The Foundation invests resources for social redress, thus economic empowerment, education, health, and humanitarian response. The Foundation implements projects that are highly enabled by ICT solutions.