East Region: MTN Foundation, partners launch Digital Academy to boost inclusion.

The program titled: “Digital Academy” was launched yesterday in Abong-Mbang, Upper Nyong Division of the East Region. 

According to Executive Secretary of MTN Foundation, Danielle Mbome, digital literacy is an essential tool to boost development especially, “in this digital age where basic knowledge of information and communication technology is indispensable".

Mbome stated that in this age, digital illiteracy, is proving to be a challenge in development given that, knowing how to read and write is not as important as having knowledge on how to use technological tools.

She said through the Digital Academy, MTN Foundation and its partners are “enabling every individual to feel included in the ongoing digital revolution and to participate in the progress of our country and of Africa”. 

Mbome said the centre will boost the capacity and skills of young people, women and persons with disabilities.

With the growing influence of technology, Mbome said MTN Cameroon has made it a duty to remain a leader in boosting human development especially in the rural areas with attention on refugees too.

Digital transformation, she enthused, “is re-shaping our global economy, permeating every sector and aspect of daily life-changing the way we learn, work, trade, socialize, and access public and private services and information”. 

On this score, she said MTN Cameroon remains focus in supporting underserved segments of society.

The MTN Foundation boss underscored that: “For 17 years now, the MTN Foundation has been working to bring a smile and hope to the underprivileged in our society. We intend to complete this mission through this first phase of digital literacy through the Digital Academy”.

Public service minister assures of gov’t support

Foka Cedric, representative of the Minister of Public Service and Administration Reforms, Joseph Le, who is an elite of the East Region, said the programme will improve the digital literacy rate in the country.

The minister’s representative thanked MTN Cameroon and IAI Cameroon for having associated the public service ministry to the project.

Foka equally hailed the UNHCR for introducing citizens from neighbouring countries who are refugees into the project. He stated that government is committed to support the project.

MTN Foundation and IAI Cameroon, the minister’s envoy also said, are acting in line with the emergence vision of President Paul Biya to achieve emergence by 20235.

Minister Le’s representative noted that the Digital Academy “is highly relevant from a socio-economic point of view” before urging beneficiaries “to be diligent and disciplined”. 

With the skills they will acquire, the representative of the member of government sounded confident that those being trained will contribute to the growth of the communities and the nation.

Enter IAI Country Director

Speaking at the event, the Cameroon Country Director of IAI Cameroon, Armand Claude Abanda, saluted the MTN Foundation-led initiative. 

Abanda also showered praises on the institution for prioritizing digital transformation in the interest of women and young girls in particular.

About programme 

The Digital Academy training is part of a priorities which the MTN Foundation Board of Trustees approved on April 26, 2023. 

Those being trained are expected to acquire skills on using a computer and other ICTs for their specific needs and to make use of opportunities that technology has brought.

Through eight learning sessions, trainees will acquire knowledge on the basics of using a computer, smartphones, surfing the Internet and how to protect themselves online.

After Abong-Mbang, the Digital Academy caravan will make stops in Mbalmayo, Ebolowa, Garoua, Bafang, Ngaoundéré, Maroua and Mokolo.