June 13, 2024 — MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is delighted to announce this year’s annual "21 Days of Y’ello Care” initiative has been extended to "30 Days of Y’ello Care” in celebration of MTN Group’s 30th anniversary of global operations.
Launched in 2007, the Y’ello Care programme encourages MTN employees to volunteer and give back to the communities they serve in by engaging in high-impact social projects.
This year, MTN Rwanda is emphasising its commitment to community development with the theme "Education for Rural and Remote Communities”." The initiative aims to expand access to educational opportunities across the country, with a particular focus in rural and remote areas.
Throughout the 30 days, MTN Rwanda staff members are participating in various activities designed to eliminate barriers to education and empower individuals with knowledge and skills, embodying our motto, "Learn Today Lead Tomorrow.” Specifically, these activities include donating and installing solar panels that generate electricity, promoting clean energy coupled with providing digital screens in schools, constructing school kitchens in Gasabo and Gicumbi Districts, and providing laptops and mentoring students at the Mahama Refugee coding school.
"This year’s Y’ello Care initiative is particularly special as we celebrate MTN Group’s 30th anniversary. To mark this milestone, we are extending our period of community service to share the joy with our communities. By focusing on education in rural and remote areas, we aim to make a lasting impact and help improve access to education in rural communities.
After assessing several schools, the issue of electricity was raised, leading us to provide clean energy through the installation of solar panels at schools. We also provided digital screens to schools in Jali Sector to enhance their learning experience, aligning with our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.
Our other projects include renovating school kitchens in Gicumbi District to ensure student attendance remains high as well donating laptops and mentoring students at Mahama Refugee Camp. We firmly believe that by eliminating barriers to accessing education, students will be able to truly learn today and lead tomorrow,” commented Mapula Bodibe, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer.
The clean energy project was implemented at GS Agateko school, where approximately 2,100 students are benefiting from having electricity throughout the day, coupled with the provision of digital screens in school classrooms. Exposure to digital technology is preparing students for the modern workforce and supporting diverse learning needs, ultimately improving student performance and engagement.
In line with the recently launched "Ndi Ready" campaign, MTN Rwanda will be constructing a school kitchen in Gicumbi District which will improve student nutrition, attendance, and academic performance by ensuring they receive nutritious meals in a clean, safe environment.
The final project will be undertaken in Mahama Refugee Camp where graduating student from the camp’s coding programme will be provided with a laptop and mentoring sessions. MTN Rwanda aims to equip them with these essential tools to continue their education and pursue career opportunities in the tech industry. This support fosters digital literacy, enhances their employability, and empowers them to build a brighter future.
To bring these projects to life, MTN Rwanda has partnered with local governments, specifically the districts of Gasabo, Gicumbi, and Kirehe as well as BBOXX Rwanda.
John Uwizeye, Managing Director of BBOXX Rwanda, a company that exists to solve energy poverty stated, "At BBOXX we transform lives and unlock potential through energy access, therefore we are pleased to partner with MTN Rwanda to propel this mission. Together, we are lighting the path to a brighter future for these students.”
By investing in educational opportunities and infrastructure, MTN Rwanda aims to foster long-term community development and empower students with essential skills for their future success. These initiatives are designed to create a sustainable impact, helping students in rural and remote areas to overcome educational barriers and achieve their full potential.
Bodibe concluded "I would like to thank our valuable partners for joining forces with us on these social impact projects. Thank you to the Districts of Gasabo, Gicumbi and BBOXX Rwanda for supporting us.”