MTN Empowers 407 Youth and Women in Northern Uganda with Digital Skills

The MTN Uganda Foundation has concluded a significant digital and financial literacy program, graduating 407 young people and women in northern Uganda. This initiative aims to equip participants with essential skills for active participation in the digital economy.

The intensive three-week training, conducted in Pader and Lamwo districts, utilized the innovative MTN Internet Bus. This mobile laboratory provides computers, internet access, and expert trainers to remote communities, bridging the digital divide.

The graduation ceremony, held in Pader District, marked the second cohort to complete this phase of the Digital Literacy Programme, a collaborative effort with the Maendeleo Foundation. The program directly addresses challenges such as distance, cost, and limited access to technology and training.

Since 2022, the MTN Internet Bus has provided training to over 7,000 individuals, with a remarkable completion rate exceeding 90%. Peter Ochen, MTN Uganda’s General Manager for Financial Operations, emphasized that digital inclusion goes beyond mere access, stressing the importance of developing the skills and confidence to use technology productively.

The curriculum included fundamental computer skills for business, crucial online safety practices, an introduction to artificial intelligence, and vital financial literacy. Graduates learned to manage finances effectively, make informed financial decisions, and utilize digital financial services securely.

Graduates like Gloria Ayaa expressed increased confidence in using computers and navigating the internet for information and communication, aspiring to enhance their work and seek new online opportunities. Erick Akena highlighted the practical benefits of the financial literacy training, enabling better money management through digital tools.

The program also featured a skills competition, rewarding top performers with digital devices to foster continued learning. The initiative aligns with Uganda’s national development goals, aiming to accelerate economic growth through a digitally empowered populace.

MTN Uganda Foundation encourages graduates to leverage the free online MTN Skills Academy and explore further development through MTN ACE, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Source: Nile Post