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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | MTN Foundation, in partnership with the Maendeleo Foundation, has graduated 305 trainees in Kampala from the sixth phase of its Internet Bus and Financial Literacy Programme, taking the number of Ugandans trained through the initiative to more than 6,700.
The graduates received certificates at a ceremony held at R Labs Uganda in Makerere Kikoni on Sept.18, as the programme seeks to expand digital and financial literacy among communities with limited access to technology and skills.
The Internet Bus is a mobile classroom designed to take training closer to last-mile communities, addressing barriers such as distance, cost and limited access to digital learning facilities.
Training covers practical digital and financial literacy, including safe internet use, digital productivity and responsible use of digital financial services. Participants are also introduced to further learning opportunities through the MTN Skills Academy.
The programme has recorded almost equal participation between men and women, with a completion rate of more than 90%, according to MTN Foundation.
Micah Rwothumio, a senior pastor at University Community Fellowship in Makerere and chief guest at the graduation, said digital skills were increasingly important to education, livelihoods and economic participation.
“I encourage other private-sector players to similarly explore ways of supporting government efforts to equip Ugandans with the skills required for the future of work,” Rwothumio said.
Augustine Lule, MTN regional business manager for Kampala, said the initiative formed part of MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which focuses on digital inclusion, financial inclusion and skills development.
“Connectivity provides access, but skills determine how that access is converted into opportunity and economic value,” Lule said.
For graduates, the programme has provided skills that can be applied in their businesses, workplaces and daily lives.
Madina Musa Ahmeed Adam, one of the graduates, said the training had given participants practical digital skills and knowledge to explore opportunities and participate more confidently in the digital economy.
The programme also recognised four top-performing trainees with digital devices to support continued learning. Godwin Kagibwami received a laptop, Adam a tablet, Mohammed Khamies a Kabode smartphone and Getrude Nankaja a MiFi device.
MTN officials said graduates would be encouraged to continue learning through the MTN Skills Academy and explore opportunities offered through MTN ACE and its innovation hubs.
