MTN Cameroon wins US$100 000 prize to invest in community projects

MTN Group today announced that MTN Cameroon will receive US$100 000 to invest in community projects, as recognition of the outstanding and selfless work of employees in that country, during the Group’s annual employee volunteer programme.

MTN Cameroon employees rallied together during the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign to build eight classrooms and a dormitory at two schools for visually impaired learners. The team also constructed and equipped three libraries in centres for the disabled. The activities are estimated to have impacted more than 4500 beneficiaries.

Y’ello Care is an employee volunteer programme which runs across MTN’s operations from 1 to 21 June annually. Themed “Investing in Education for All”, the overall winner receives the US$100 000 Group President and CEO prize, to plough back into community projects.

“Every year, we are humbled by the commitment of employees across our geographies who give their time selflessly to improve education and learning conditions in their communities. Their efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of learners in the communities that host us each year,” says Paul Norman, MTN Group Chief HR and Corporate Affairs Officer.”

Over 90% of staff at MTN Cameroon participated in this year’s Y’ello Care programme. The employees also raised more than US$ 18 000 towards the project activities. In addition to the construction projects, MTN Cameroon staff designed an ICT training workshop for secondary schools teachers, career advisers and officials of the Ministry of Secondary Education, to upgrade their teaching and learning techniques.

Commenting on her operation’s performance, MTN Cameroon CEO, Philisiwe Sibiya says, “The strength of every winning organisation is its employees, and that is our strength at MTN Cameroon. Winning the 21 Days trophy is a truly humbling experience, and proof of the selflessness and Can-Do spirit of our staff who tirelessly commit to better the livelihood of communities every year. Thanks to the 21 Days of Y’ello Care Programme, volunteerism has become a lifestyle for us. It is part of our DNA! This year, 96% of our workforce participated in the programme and we are happy to have contributed to the development of the education sector in Cameroon by investing in inclusive education.”

Other MTN operations recognised with Y’ello Care awards include MTN Swaziland, the first runner-up and winner of Best secondary ICT campaign, and MTN Uganda, the second runner-up and winner of the Innovation Award. MTN Swaziland’s campaign saw learners in remote schools receive digital mathematics and science content in the form of e-books, videos, quizzes and games. MTN Uganda’s innovative activities resulted in the development of a holistic school management software application that was installed at 15 schools.

Other awardees are MTN Rwanda (Leadership), MTN Guinea Conakry (Most Improved), MTN Nigeria (Spirit Award), Mascom Botswana (Can-Do attitude), MTN SA (Relationship category) and MTN Ghana (Integrity).

More than 8000 employees from 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East volunteered during this year’s Y’ello Care campaign, and their efforts impacted an estimated 380 000 people.

“I would like to commend all MTNers who came out in support of Y’ello Care 2015. We are incredibly proud of our employees and commend them for their continued dedication to give back to their communities,” says Norman.