Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | In 2007, MTN Uganda embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of the 21 Days of Y’ello Care programme. This initiative was designed to empower employees to contribute directly to their local communities, embodying the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Initially conceived as a singular internal initiative, the programme, which runs annually from June 1 to June 21, has since evolved into a collaborative movement involving multiple organizations and significantly broadening its scope and impact in communities.
This year, in its 17th edition of 21 Days of Y’ello Care, MTN Uganda staff collaborated with 35 organizations across various sectors, supporting projects in five schools: Kansanga Seed Secondary School in Kampala, St. Joseph’s Aid Society in Kyankwanzi district in the west, Ongongoja Secondary School in Katakwi district in the east, Bishop Dunstan Nsubuga Memorial School in Kalangala district in central, and Ariwa Secondary School in Yumbe district in the north. This marks the highest number of collaborations in the initiative’s history. Last year, MTN Uganda staff partnered with four organizations, focusing on economic empowerment.
Bryan Mbasa, Senior Manager of the MTN Foundation, highlighted the strategic decision to involve other organizations in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care program.
“We at MTN Uganda believe that we can only make a lasting impact on the lives of many, providing them with tools and resources they need to thrive and succeed for a better future through collaboration with organizations,” he said.
“These organizations bring both financial and technical support in areas where we have limitations, creating synergies in our activities.”
These partnerships have provided opportunities for organizations that wish to extend services but may lack the resources to do so independently. For instance, during this year’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care, which extended to 30 days in commemoration of MTN Group’s 30 years of operation, American Tower Corporation Uganda partnered with MTN Uganda staff to provide eighty solar panels to Ongongoja Senior Secondary School in Katakwi district. MTN Uganda provided twenty fully installed computers with internet access and lighting for students and teachers.
The Maendeleo Foundation and Centenary Technology Services offered digital and financial literacy to learners, while Tecno Mobile established teacher resource centers in four rural schools. Roofings Group contributed five hundred fruit trees to the five institutions and Faces Up played a crucial role in empowering schoolchildren through creative arts for psychosocial support during the campaign in the refugee settlement.
More other organizations including Stanbic Bank engaged in providing scholastic materials, career guidance, menstrual hygiene, and general skills.
Samuel Mwogeza, Executive Director and Head of Private and Personal Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, expressed pride in the partnership with MTN Uganda for the 2024 edition of “21 Days of Y’ello Care.”
“We are proud to have contributed to two of the four schools identified by MTN Uganda. Our partnership upgraded facilities at Bishop Dunstan Secondary School in Kalangala, including the provision of reusable sanitary towels to support girls’ dignity and the installation of seating to create a conducive learning environment,” he said. “In Yumbe, we augmented MTN’s digital infrastructure upgrade with a solar power system, ensuring reliable access to computer facilities.”
Mwogeza also noted that they delivered financial literacy training at Ongongoja Secondary School in Katakwi district, highlighting the benefits of affordable health insurance through their Medi Protect solution.
“This partnership embodies our commitment to driving positive change and aligns with our vision, ‘Uganda is our home, we drive her growth,’” he added.
“We congratulate MTN Uganda on the success of ’30 Days of Y’ello Care’ and look forward to future collaborations that foster sustainable development and community growth.”
Ssekitto Kalule Emmanuel, founder of Faces Up, described being part of the 30 days of Y’ello Care as empowering. “We were inspired and witnessed first-hand the power of partnership founded on intentionality and service,” he said.