By Glory Ekwenuya

In its passion for education development, MTN operations across 22 countries in Africa and the middle East are uniting to kick off their annual staff volunteerism initiative during the 21 days Y’ello Care programme. The 21 days Y’ello Care is a period when MTN staff contribute both in cash and in kind to develop students.

From left: Company Secretary, MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Ukpanah Utoh ; Principal, Lanre Awolokun Senior High School, Gbagada, Mrs. Adams Ibironke Abiodun; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma and Project Manager, MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care, 2013, Mr. Omojola Felix during the donation of a digital library to the school, in Lagos.

Speaking at the occasion held at its corporate office in Lagos, the CEO, MTN Nigeria, Mr Michael Ikpoki said that over the next 21days, there will be various community building activities which employees of MTN will engage in.

According to him, this year’s theme tagged “Investing in Education for All” will focus on digital learning. He said: “As limited access to quality education continues to plague Africa’s growth and development, the role of digital learning in ICT era is becoming more compelling. This is because digital learning brings to the table, immediate, diverse and customized access to world-class education and beyond that, a multiplicity of opportunities for advancement.”

The CEO who reiterated MTN’s commitment to increase and consolidate its efforts in contributing to the nation’s education sector, pointed out the application of digital learning as focal point within the 21 days.

“We are once again presented with a unique platform over the next 21days, to contribute to this kind of impact while also leading the delivery of a bold new Digital World to our customers,’’ he added.

He specifically noted some key projects, which include: Establishing Digital Learning Facilities in Libraries of 12 schools in six MTN locations nationwide, Book Reading Sessions, Train-the-Teacher Project, Y’ello Tutor Project,Environmental Beautification Project, Fund Raising Campaign, to mention a few.

He, therefore, urged every MTN users to make a personal commitment to participate in as many of these activities as possible.