By Ncaba Ntshakala
Sitsatsaweni Primary School witnessed a major event as the MTN Eswatini’s 21 Days Y’ello Care Campaign for 2024 was officially launched under the theme “Education for Rural and Remote Communities” with the motto “Learn Today, Leadership Tomorrow.”
The launch was marked by an address from the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, who was represented by Principal Assistant Secretary Charles Hlatjwako.
The Minister lauded the continued partnership with the company and wished for the relationship to progress further.
During the launch, Hlatjwako expressed the Ministry’s delight in MTN Eswatini’s continued prioritization of the education sector as a beneficiary of their annual Y’ello Care Campaign.
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He emphasized the enduring relationship between MTN Eswatini, Swaziland Empowerment Limited, and the Ministry of Education and Training, noting that this partnership not only persists but also strengthens over time.
“The prioritization of the education sector by the MTN Foundation portrays the passion MTN Eswatini has for education,” Hlatjwako said, here he highlighting the essential role of education in achieving the country’s economic growth and development aspirations.
Upon arrival, Hlatjwako who represented the Minister, toured the project site and was impressed to learn that four classrooms, previously uninhabitable especially during the rainy season, were set to be renovated to like-new condition.
He also acknowledged the need for additional renovations, including the administration block and other classrooms, and committed the Ministry to undertake these renovations in the next phase.
The Minister’s representative stressed the importance of safe learning spaces for students, aligning with the Ministry’s goal of ensuring that the education system is accessible, equitable, relevant, affordable, and of high quality.
He highlighted the adverse effects of climate change on school infrastructure, citing severe hailstorms that have overburdened the Ministry’s capital program.
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Such negative challenges have so much overstretched our capital program that we are not able to meet the demand on the ground,” he noted.
The contribution of the Y’ello Care Campaign was thus seen as a significant milestone in supporting school infrastructure needs.
The launch of the 21 Days Y’ello Care Campaign, which includes the renovation of four dilapidated classrooms at Sitsatsaweni Primary, was celebrated as a timely intervention.
Hlatjwako expressed the Ministry’s hope for the project’s successful completion, enabling a future official handover.
He concluded by extending heartfelt gratitude on behalf of His Majesty’s Government to MTN Eswatini for their generous support and investment in the country’s future through education.
“Thank you for investing in the future of our country through education,” Hlatjwako said, where he encapsulated the spirit of partnership and empowerment that the Y’ello Care Campaign embodies.
MTN asserted that they believe in the power of partnership and to achieve 2024 Y’ello Care objectives, they have partnered with the Ministry of Education & Training, Micro Projects, ESCCOM,
Swaziland Empowerment Limited, Eswatini Sugar Association, Computronics, Global Paints, SC Zondi, PC Systems, Computer Literacy, Ubombo Sugar Eswatini, Macmillan Eswatini, Thirst Eswatini and World Vision who have generously made donations towards this worthy cause.
“Our campaign this year extends to 30 days, as we celebrate 30 years of MTN across the African footprint,” reads a shared statement by MTN.
“MTNers are once again, excited and geared up to lend a helping hand in the communities we serve, particularly rural schools in dire need of basic educational services.”
