Employees of MTN Nigeria (alongside their colleagues across Africa, Asia and the Middle East) have kicked-off the 11th annual “21 Days of Y’ello Care” with focus on using ICT to increase access to education, promote knowledge sharing and support improvements in the learning environment in schools.
It would be recalled that the scheme has been a tradition that adds value to Nigerian students within the 21 days of the care system.
Through 21 Days of Y’ello Care, MTN is providing all employees the opportunity to volunteer their considerable talent, time and resources, and engage in education-focused community projects.
In addition, using the hashtag #ShareKnowledge, the company has invited social media users across the country to join its employees in sharing fun and/or interesting less known facts about Nigeria via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram over the next three weeks (June 1 – 21). The virtual campaign aims to break down traditional barriers to education, encourage a knowledge sharing culture and make learning fun.
Speaking at the kick-off event in Lagos, MTN Chief Executive officer Ferdi Moolman reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting community development, and commended MTN staff for their enthusiastic participation in the project.
“I am extremely proud of our many employees who continue to give back to our community through volunteering. Throughout the year our people engage in many activities designed to give back. However, 21 Days of Y’ello Care offers us a special opportunity to come together with our colleagues, family and friends to invest in tomorrow’s people.”
The event was also attended by scholars from Ireti and Eko Akete Grammar Schools, and Wahab Folawiyo, Magbon Segun Community and King Ado Senior High Schools, all in Lagos. Also present was Assistant Director of Education, Mrs. Fadeke Olusesi a representative of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, who commended the volunteering spirit of the staff of MTN Nigeria and urged them not to relent in investing in the capacity and development of young people in Nigeria.
The last six years have seen MTN focus Y’ello Care initiatives on harnessing technology to improve access to education for Nigeria’s youth.
In this time, MTN’s employees have visited thousands of school children in cities across the country where they set up digital libraries, painted schools and provided books and other educational materials to enhance the learning experience for both students and teachers. These efforts seek to complement government’s efforts to improve the quality of education.