MTN Foundation Uganda Launches Youth Skilling Program

The MTN Foundation Uganda has launched its Youth Empowerment skilling program under the foundation arm of youth empowerment that is set to benefit at least 100 youths in preparation for the evolving digital world.

The MTN Foundation Youth skilling Program will be implemented in partnership with Ubunifu systems, a software development firm based in Uganda.

The MTN Foundation Youth skilling Program will focus on skills that will drive co-creation of innovative digital products and solutions to solve Uganda’s biggest problems in Education, Youth Empowerment, Health and Agriculture.

This comes at a backdrop of the COVID19 pandemic that has demonstrated the immense need of digitized systems to keep businesses and communities afloat in times of catastrophic circumstances.

While addressing the press at the launch of the Program, Wim Vanhelleputte, the MTN Chief Executive Officer said that this is one of the many initiatives that MTN Uganda has put in place to enable the youth tap into the limitless possibilities of the Fourth industrial revolution.

“Since they are the majority, the youth are a big and essential component in the country’s growth and development. That is why we as MTN have chosen to involve them to stimulate local innovation, which in turn will help youth create gainful employment opportunities through community transforming innovations as we enter the new era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said Vanhelleputte.

How will the program work?

MTN will put out application calls via digital channels and 100 successful applicants will be selected to join the program for each cycle.

The chosen 100 will be sponsored to study and acquire the International Computer Driver’s License (ICDL) certificate and only those that will have successfully acquired this certificate will proceed to the next level.

The next level will bring the successful candidates together into a 10-week session that will provide hands on training in technical and business skills that will support them identify and define community challenges in the areas of Education, Agriculture, Health and Youth Empowerment.

The most successful ideas/ solutions to the identified problems will be admitted to the MTN Incubation program where they will receive mentorship and support to deliver a public good ICT solution designed for their community.

Requirements

This program is for young innovators, youth employed in SMEs, University graduates and youth who are interested in technology for the improvement of their communities across Uganda.

Eligibility

Age: 20 – 35 years

Academics: Advanced level education certificate

Photo ID: National ID

Possess a working email address and a registered MTN SIM Card

Key Dates

1. Launch program Dec 8, 2020 – Noon
2. Applications open Dec 8, 2020
3. Applications close Dec 22nd, 2020 6:00PM EAT
4. Announcement of participants, 15th January 2021
5. The program kicks off 1st February 2021

Successful candidates at each step will be posted on the website and contacted via email.Interested candidates can apply here.