In line with MTN’s Vision of creating a bold, new Digital World and of its commitment to supporting education as a key enabler of development, MTN Uganda in partnership with Luzira Prison management has commissioned an ICT resource center with a fully connected internet Hot spot at Murchison Bay Prison in Luzira.
This initiative is anticipated to enable the nearly 2000 inmates at the facility to have an ICT understanding as well as utilize the center to access the MTN sponsored Uganda Secondary School E-learning Platform (USSELP) for their education during their time of incarceration.
Speaking during the commissioning of the center, MTN GM Corporate Services, Anthony Katamba explained that the resource center is an initiative geared at impacting and empowering inmates at Murchison Bay Prison through improved access to digital content commensurate with the growing trend in technology.
Murchison Bay Prison has fully functional Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) registered primary and secondary schools initiated in 2004 as an effort to address inmates’ quest for functional adult literacy during the time of detention.
“There is a direct link between improved literacy and the socio-economic status of any community. We are committed to support such initiatives that further enhance human capacity building as a catalyst for economic development”, Katamba commented.
The Commissioner Uganda Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija commended MTN Uganda for its continued commitment and enthusiasm in making a difference in the lives of the under privileged, stating that the company’s technological support will go a long way in creating a facility that will offer comprehensive learning platform for the Murchison Bay inmates.
Byabashaija said Murchison Bay facility has enabled the education of over 6000 adult pupils through the primary school system over the last nine years.
“Over the years, we have observed an increased interest in the acquisition of computer skills by the inmates. This motivated us to develop a project concept towards operating a resource center with an advanced desktop publishing component and e-learning library. MTN’s response to set up this ICT lab and internet Hot spot is indeed a step in the right direction, that should be emulated by others”, he said.
The MTN Uganda Foundation is a not-for-profit legal entity that was inaugurated in July 2007 as a vehicle through which MTN U 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.
The MTN Uganda Foundation invests resources for social redress, thus empowering people by skills transfer, preserving and nurturing their heritage, culture and arts, supporting sports and sports development.
From 2013 going forward, Education will be the key focus area for the MTN Uganda Foundation; the other areas will include Health and National priority areas.
