Investing in our communities
MTN is an enthusiastic corporate citizen and invests in numerous community upliftment projects across our footprint.
We have established MTN Foundations in 15 of our operations. They invest mainly in education, health, economic
empowerment and national priority areas. Below are three case studies outlining the work of the Foundations:
| Helping curb blindness in Nigeria
The incidence in Nigeria of low vision and blindness can, in most cases, be ascribed to cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens. Across the world,
cataracts are the most common cause of preventable blindness.
As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, MTN Nigeria Foundation and the Eye Foundation Centre for Prevention of Blindness
conceived the Eye Restoration Intervention Scheme (EyeRIS). This project aims to help reduce the prevalence of preventable blindness in
Nigeria and increase the cataract surgical rate in line with the World Health Organisation’s VISION 2020: Right to Sight initiative.
The partners selected six Nigerian states in which to focus their efforts: Osun, Niger, Delta, Abia, Sokoto and Jigawa. They provided funds and
collaborated with the states’ health ministries to offer free eye screening for less-privileged Nigerians, provide medication for minor eye
infections and allergies, offer low-cost corrective glasses as well as conduct cataract surgery.
By the end of the first phase of the project in November 2013:
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10 610 people had their sight restored after undergoing cataract surgery. |
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11 946 pairs of reading glasses had been distributed to people with presbyopia. |
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10 808 packs of medication had been distributed to people with allergies and other eye infections. |
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In total, 33 364 people benefited from the intervention. |
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| Providing ICT access to education in Ghana
MTN is working to enhance educational infrastructure to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban communities in Ghana. In 2013, MTN
Ghana Foundation facilitated the establishment of a 50-seater ICT centre for the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies in
Bunso. This was carried out under the patronage of the Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin and the Okyeman Traditional Council.
The new ICT centre – which cost US$58 000 – enables students and their teachers to disseminate information and learning materials through
linked and secure connections.
Over the years, the MTN Ghana Foundation has supported educational establishments through the refurbishment of 17 school blocks and
the construction of libraries and dormitories. Since 2007, it has also been the largest contributor to the national Best Teacher Awards Scheme.
It has implemented 50 educational projects, including the establishment of 22 ICT centres across the country.
These initiatives go a long way to augmenting the government’s efforts to enhance educational facilities as well as motivate teachers. |
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| Helping to realise a dream in South Africa
Education in South Africa faces a number of challenges, many of which are detrimental to the quality of teaching and therefore the ability of
students to gain entrance to universities. This is particularly true in disadvantaged communities. Nkateko Matjeke’s story shows that with the
right attitude, tools and support, students can realise their dreams. Her dream was to study at university.
Nkateko came into contact with MTN when the MTN South Africa Foundation responded to calls for help to support her community by
intervening in education. In 2009, the Foundation set up a computer laboratory at her school, Matlaisane High School, through its school
connectivity programme, which helps learners become computer literate and educators enhance their teaching.
The lab has 21 PCs, an interactive whiteboard, a data projector, a multifunctional printer, internet connectivity and standard security features. MTN
South Africa Foundation has also provided educator training as well as education software to assist both educators and learners. In 2012, Mindset
Network, a non-governmental organisation, added broadcast equipment to the lab to provide recorded and live lessons for further learning.
Although both her parents are unemployed, Nkateko’s attitude, her supportive school environment and access to computers and additional
broadcast lessons helped in her studies, particularly in mathematics and science. At the end of 2012, Nkateko passed matric and wanted to
enrol for an electrical engineering course at university, but she lacked the funds needed to enrol. MTN South Africa Foundation heard about
her plight and decided to support her in her efforts to study further. The Foundation helped in negotiations with Tshwane University of
Technology, where she was accepted in the second half of 2013 on a full bursary from MTN. Nkateko is now pursuing the career of her choice
by studying electrical engineering.
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