MTN Foundation to set up facility to skill 400 girls annually.
As Uganda joined the rest of the World to commemorate International Women’s day held on March 8 under the theme: “Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, MTN Foundation in partnership with Smart Girls Foundation embarked on the construction of a skilling facility with the capacity to train 400 girls annually in vocational programs.
The project that is expected to cost UGX230million will facilitate the construction of an auto vehicle servicing station, a newly constructed washing bay and the renovation of 3 classrooms with a capacity of 30 students per room and a main hall.
The facility which will be housed at the Smart Girls Foundation offices in Kampala will specialize in vocational and business up skilling, inclusive of courses like electricity installation, house painting, tailoring, carpentry, welding, catering, among others.
Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony held in Kampala today, Dorcas Muhwezi, the General Manager for Customer Experience at MTN Uganda, said the project is envisaged to give birth to 40 new women-led businesses in the country.
Justine Mbabazi, the RDC Wakiso district and Guest of Honour, welcomed the initiative by MTN saying it complements government’s ambitions towards promoting gender equality and empowering the girl child.
The training facility will also put emphasize on mentorship sessions in career guidance facilitated by members of the MTN Women Group.
By Racheal Nuwahereza
