This year’s MTN’s employee volunteerism programme, 21 Days of Y’ello Care, has seen employees from 20 countries across the MTN footprint taking part in activities to benefit lives of the surrounding communities. The programme ended on 21 June. In Rwanda, initiatives ranged from clean-up campaigns, to building training institutions, refurbishing schools and libraries, establishing ICT centres, running health awareness campaigns, supporting orphans and raising funds for worthy causes. The highlight of this year’s programme however, was the Global Y’ello Career Day held across 19 of MTN’s operating companies. The Career Day was a way to end a successful 21 days of employee volunteerism, with the company joining forces with public and private sector entities to prepare young people for the future of work, by sharing insights into the digital future. In collaboration with Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of ICT, MTN Rwanda Career Day attracted 200 Youth with 30 young innovators from various Universities. The youth were educated and enlightened about how technological advancements are reshaping the world as we know it, and the skills and competencies they need to acquire to succeed in the future. They were also given practical tips to help them bolster their employment prospects and introduced to the concept and practice of entrepreneurship. Reflecting on the Career Day, Miranda Davids, MTN Group Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Manager said: “The idea of the Global Career Day was born out of our desire to support governments and other stakeholders to reduce the digital skills gap among the youth in our markets, so that they can take advantage of the opportunities presented by new technology.” She also lauded the efforts of all MTN employees who contributed to the success of this year’s edition of Y’ello Care, adding that it serves to strengthen the company’s community development efforts, particularly those aimed at uplifting the youth, who often feel marginalised and excluded from the digital economy. During the 21 days, MTNers in Rwanda also conducted an education programme focused on Youth Empowerment through ICT. In collaboration with Ministry of ICT, Ministry of Local Government and Rwanda Online, MTN provided ICT training to 1,000 unemployed youth in 8 districts using a mobile digital bus. They were able to digitalise 8 model villages, donated 40 Computers connecting 23,856 Rwandans in rural areas, and provided 8 megabytes for 3 months in partnership with Rwanda Online. MTN Rwanda also focused on the Government’s priority of providing clean water to communities. Staff came together to set up water tanks in 8 rural schools to provide clean water, directly impacting and changing lives of 12,300 pupils and 240 teachers. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
