MTN Foundation and National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) to Digitize Education in Secondary Schools

MTN Uganda Foundation hands over UGX. 312M to support the Skilling for the Future initiative

MTN Foundation and National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) to Digitize Education in Secondary Schools
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As part of a partnership with the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), the MTN Uganda Foundation has today handed over a cheque worth Ushs. 312,330,000/- to support Uganda’s education efforts in digitizing the secondary school learning material. This initiative is being driven through a program called Skilling for the Future and will be implemented by the National Curriculum Development Centre which is under the Ministry of Education, Technology, Science and Sports

The Skilling for the Future project was conceptualized and developed by NCDC with the core objective of embedding the use of ICT as a tool to support effective teaching and learning in Ugandan schools.

The project will develop an interactive digital curriculum for schools that will be piloted in 2017 and rolled out in January 2018 with the new curriculum for lower secondary schools from senior one to senior four.

The prototype of this digital solution was demonstrated today at State House, Nakasero at a ceremony in which MTN Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wim Vanhelleputte handed over the MTN Foundation contribution to the First Lady and Minister of Education, Technology, Science and Sports – Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni.

In addition to developing the online curriculum, NCDC under the Skilling for the Future initiative will equip school teachers with the ICT skills for developing and customizing digital education materials, as well as supporting policy makers to cause a paradigm shift towards interactive learning.

MTN Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Wim Vanhelleputte affirmed MTN’s commitment to support Education as a key focus area of the MTN Foundation.

“There is no doubt that investing in education is the most assured way of guaranteeing a brighter future for our children and our country. Since its establishment in 2007, the MTN Foundation in Uganda has continued to reinforce its mandate through community and interest groups outreach programs across the country,” he said. “MTN is honoured to play an active role in shaping the future of our country and what better way to do that than through Education. The world has gone digital and it’s only logical that our Education system embraces this new reality,” he concluded.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Technology, Science and Sports, Hon. Janet K Museveni commended MTN for its continued support and investment in education among Ugandan communities specifically its efforts in digitizing Uganda’s socio-economic activities from education, trade to social interactions within communities.

“We have stated in the past that promotion of e-learning and computer literacy is a key priority area for the Ministry and indeed the country as a whole. We are working to enhance learning outcomes and contribute to innovations in industrial developments by embracing the digital age,” she said. She further added, “We do recognize the role large companies like MTN play in supporting government’s programmes, and are particularly pleased with the MTN Foundation track record of supporting Education especially through ICT tooling and resourcing.”

The honourable minister went on to note, “MTN’s support for education manifests itself in projects such as the MTN Internet Bus, donation of computers and internet connectivity support to schools and the setting up of regional ICT centres across the country. We commend MTN Foundation for the good spirit of partnership that they continue demonstrating to Ugandans.”

Commenting on the partnership, Ms. Bernadette Nambi Karuhanga, the National Curriculum Development Centre’s Deputy Director thanked MTN Foundation for accepting their proposal to support the Skilling for the Future Project.

“On behalf of the Centre, I would like to thank the MTN Foundation for accepting our proposal and agreeing to partner with us in implementing the project. We look forward to working with you on this and other future initiatives.”

Last month, MTN Foundation in partnership with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) announced a scholarship programme for 10 young women in universities across the country covering tuition and other scholarly requirements for their entire University education.

The MTN Foundation continues to invest in projects that promote quality education through empowerment of both learners and teachers using digital and ICT solutions.

About the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC)

The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) was established by the NCDC Act Chapter 135, Laws of Uganda Revised Edition 2000 whose history is Decree No. 7 of 1973. The Centre is a corporate autonomous body of the Ministry of Education and Sports of Uganda. It is responsible for, among others, development of curricula and related materials for various levels of education including Pre-Primary, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary and organizing capacity building courses for stakeholders on curricula and matters related to curriculum.

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