By TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG – THE MTN Group has donated US$1 million to fund the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO’s) General History of Africa (GHA) initiative.
Launched in 1964, the initiative by the UN agency aims to “rewrite Africa’s history from an African perspective.”
Chris Maroleng, Executive for Corporate Affairs at MTN Group, says 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,” says Maroleng.
The contribution by MTN will among others, go towards the elaboration of the ninth volume.
The volume will take into account the latest developments in scientific research and the major events that have occurred in Africa since 1990, as well as the new challenges faced by the continent and its Diaspora.
Validation of content is underway at the fifth meeting of the International Scientific Committee of the GHA in Havana, Cuba.
Ali Moussa-Iye, UNESCO Chief: History and Memory for Dialogue, says the commitment by MTN to sponsor GHA, over two years, will help to further develop a Pan-African perspective of the history and prospects of the continent, 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,” says Moussa-Iye.
– CAJ News