By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Diabene
MTN Ghana has launched “Y’ello Care 2024” with the introduction of Digital Literacy Education at Diabene Senior High Technical School near Takoradi. The 30 Days of Y’ello Care initiative, themed “Education for Rural and Remote Communities – Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow,” reinforces MTN’s commitment to community support.
David Woase, Area Sales Manager for the Southwest region of MTN Ghana, explained that the 30 Days of Y’ello Care is an annual staff volunteer program established 17 years ago. This initiative allows MTN staff to volunteer their skills and services for community benefit while investing in community improvement projects in rural areas.
According to Woase, the MTN Foundation is dedicated to this cause. “We are delighted to provide hands-on support to these remote areas through unique and innovative community improvement programs that address critical needs,” he said.
This year’s campaign coincides with the 30th Anniversary celebration of MTN Group. As such, this year’s edition, called “30 Days of Y’ello Care,” started on June 1st and will end on June 30th, 2024. Woase emphasized that this year’s theme highlights the vital role education plays in transforming communities, promoting socio-economic growth, and preparing youth with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources for the future.
“With the 2024 edition of 30 Days of Y’ello Care, we aim to provide modern amenities and educational facilities in line with our digital focus to bring innovation to these deprived schools,” Woase said. This initiative will demonstrate the limitless potential of technology and the opportunities it presents. “MTNers will set up container-based learning facilities equipped with computers, internet access, textbooks, and supplementary reading materials. We will also provide storybooks and other learning materials to enhance teaching and learning in the selected schools.”
Additionally, Woase announced the implementation of a specialized program dubbed “Quench and Connect.” MTN volunteers will drill digital boreholes in schools facing water crises, including Diabene Senior High Technical School. “We hope these boreholes will alleviate the burden on the schools and allow students to focus on their studies,” he said.
Woase also mentioned that the initiatives will include data education and digital literacy workshops for students and teachers, aiming to improve the quality of teaching and learning in schools. He expressed gratitude to all MTN employees for their contributions to the success of Y’ello Care over the years and encouraged every employee volunteer to participate.
On Digital Literacy Education
Woase highlighted the importance of Digital Literacy Education for students in today’s technology-driven world. “It empowers students with the skills to navigate, evaluate, and create digital content effectively.
“With these skills, students can access and manage information efficiently, communicate and collaborate online safely and responsibly, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and create and share content using various digital tools,” he said.
By incorporating digital literacy education into their learning journey, students can become confident, competent, and responsible digital citizens, better equipped to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Reverend Peter Bontha Kisseih, Headmaster of the school, expressed his delight that MTN chose to celebrate Y’ello Care with the school. “Academically, the school is now on top. We believe MTN is here to support our success by providing a new assembly hall and a school bus, among other contributions,” he said. He called on other development partners to support the school in achieving its goals.
Chief Executive Officer of Duapa Werkspace, Erasmus Mensah-Ackon, discussed the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on various sectors. He encouraged students to take advantage of the ICT space and pursue courses in this area to become self-employed even before leaving school.
As part of the Y’ello Care celebration, MTN presented segregated litter bins for proper waste management in the school.
