MTN Uganda, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has officially inaugurated a new classroom block at Ocokican Community Secondary School in Ocokican Sub-County, Soroti District.
The investment, worth Shs327 million, aims to enhance access to quality education in the region.
The newly commissioned facility includes two classrooms, a fully equipped laboratory, 60 desks, 10 lab tables, 60 stools, a water harvesting system, two sanitary facilities, and a borehole.
This infrastructure is expected to significantly improve learning conditions for students, many of whom previously had to travel long distances to access secondary education.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge reaffirmed the company's commitment to supporting education in Uganda.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," Mulinge said, quoting Nelson Mandela.
"This new school block represents hope and opportunity for students in Ocokican. At MTN Uganda, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality education and a chance to shape their future."
Established in 2022, Ocokican Community Secondary School was founded to address the lack of secondary education facilities in the area.
Before its inception, students had to travel between 10 to 15 kilometers to find a secondary school, making education inaccessible for many.
In just six months, enrollment at the school has increased by 79%, rising from 67 to 120 students.
The new infrastructure is expected to further boost enrollment and improve academic performance by providing a conducive learning environment.
Florence Abago, the head teacher of Ocokican Community Secondary School, expressed gratitude for MTN Uganda’s intervention in the area.
"This marks a new beginning for our students," she said. "With these new classrooms and a science laboratory, we can now offer a more comprehensive education experience. We are deeply grateful to MTN Uganda for believing in our school and investing in our future."
Soroti District Woman MP Anna Ebaju Adeke commended MTN Uganda for its contribution to the education sector.
"This initiative is more than just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in the future of our children," she said.
"I commend MTN Uganda for stepping up and playing an active role in shaping the destiny of young Ugandans."
James Oparo Akanyi, the school’s board chair, explained the challenges the community faced before the establishment of the school.
"The children in this community were disadvantaged. The nearest schools were in Atirra Sub-County in Serere or Soroti Senior Secondary School, about seven kilometers away," he said.
"It’s a very long stretch, so the community came up with the idea of starting this school and started contributing Shs15,000 per home to raise funds."
Over the years, MTN Uganda has made significant investments in education across the country.
Some of its past initiatives include supporting Salama School for the Blind in Mukono, Horizon International High School in Isingiro, and Aspire High School in Ibanda District.
Through these projects, MTN Uganda continues to demonstrate its commitment to bridging the education gap and creating equal opportunities for students nationwide.
With the addition of new classrooms, improved science learning facilities, and access to clean water, Ocokican Community Secondary School is now better equipped to offer a brighter future for its students.