Multinational Mobile Telecommunications company MTN has announced that it is backing UNESCO’s General History of Africa (GHA) project with one million US dollars over the next two years.
UNESCO’s General History of Africa aims to put together the continent’s revised history without discriminatory prejudices and in a way commonly known and accessible to the public at large.
The contribution from MTN will go towards the elaboration of the ninth volume. The mobile operator says this support is in line with its commitment to promote access to quality education on the continent, particularly through the digitization of learning and teaching.
The Executive for Corporate Affairs at MTN Group,Chris Maroleng, emphasised the value of the second phase GHA project.
“By supporting the GHA project, MTN is participating in a crucial education initiative which is aimed at re-appropriating the interpretation and writing of Africa’s history, as well as emphasising the contribution of African cultures, past and present, to the history of humanity. MTN recognises the pivotal role of education in building a better continent for future generations. And as a proudly African company, we are keen to support like-minded efforts.”
Maroleng said that the project complements several projects aimed at the digitization of education in Africa the Middle East.
Ali Moussa-Iye, Chief: History and Memory for Dialogue at UNESCO has welcomed MTN’s support on behalf of UNESCO.
“The commitment by MTN to sponsor the GHA initiative will help to further develop a Pan-African perspective of the history and prospects of the continent and its diasporas, based on scientific findings. We are proud to partner with a company which has demonstrated active corporate citizenship in Africa, particularly in the field of knowledge development and education,” he said.
