MTN Foundation Programmes Manager, Judy Maluleka photo : GIFT
NDOLWANE

By DIKELEDI NOKWANE
JOHANNESBURG -MOBILE network operator, MTN, has restated its commitment to education in South Africa, particularly the underprivileged areas.
The pledge came at the launch of the annual MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care Campaign on Monday as the Group’s corporate social investment initiative reached a ten-year milestone.
In South Africa, the campaign is run under the auspices of the MTN SA Foundation and encompasses employee and executive participation in a range of philanthropic activities across the country.
MTN Foundation Programmes Manager, Judy Maluleka, elaborated on projects planned in this year’s edition.
“The initiatives will be inclusive and specially focused on learners with special needs in deep rural areas,” she said in an interview.
She said multi media centres will be installed with ICT resources in their areas of learning.
“The essence of the initiative is to ensure uninterrupted access to reliable, effective ICT resources that will play a fundamental role in the fulfilment of the learner’s educational objectives,” said Maluleka.
“It will also enable the elimination of micro problems that prohibit the learners from receiving a holistic schooling experience. These
socio-economic ailments remain a national priority for the MTN Foundation.”
Maluleka highlighted the complementary role played by the Department of Basic Education in mobilising these programmes.
“Partnerships with stakeholders provide an amplified platform to achieve success on a wider scale.”
Meanwhile, the fourth edition of the MTN 21km race on June 10, will be integral to the 21 Days of Y’ello Care.
Funds will be raised for an educational cause.
An impressive 5 400 individuals have registered thus far through online portals. This is out of an initial target of 7 000.
“The race will be a chance for team building, fun and connection with friends, family and colleagues,” Maluleka.
– Guardian