The Ocokican community in Soroti District was filled with joy and gratitude as MTN Uganda extended its generous support to Ocokican Community Secondary School.
In an important effort to uplift education and improve community infrastructure, the telecommunications giant commissioned a host of new facilities worth 327 million Ugandan shillings.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, MTN Uganda officially handed over a newly constructed block consisting of two classrooms and a science laboratory, 60 desks, 60 stools and laboratory tables.
These much needed facilities are expected to enhance learning conditions and provide students with better opportunities to excel academically.
MTN also commissioned a borehole to provide clean water for both the school and the surrounding community.
To further improve sanitation and hygiene, the company installed a 10,000 liter water tank and five latrines to cater to students and teachers.
The Head Teacher of Ocokican Community Secondary School, Madam Florence Abago, expressed deep appreciation for MTN’s support.
She recalled the school’s humble beginnings stating that when it was established in 2022, it had only eight students and operated under a tree in Ocokican Centre.
According to her, the school’s struggles were immense, with only one classroom and two shared latrines for both students and teachers.
However, after continuous lobbying, MTN stepped in to provide much needed assistance, transforming the institution’s outlook.
“Thanks to MTN’s intervention, the student population has added from 8 to 120 students, with more girls enrolling than boys,” Madam Abago noted.
She attributed this increase to the improved learning environment made possible by MTN’s generosity.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, MTN Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Madam Sylvia Mulinge, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting education and community development.
She highlighted that 327 million Ugandan shillings had been invested in building the classrooms, a science laboratory, 60 desks, 60 stools, a borehole, latrines and a water tank.
Mulinge encouraged parents to enroll their children in Ocokican Community Secondary School rather than sending them to far off schools.
With the newly built infrastructure, the school now has the capacity to accommodate many students, reducing the burden of long distance travel for learners.
She also had a message for the students where she advised them to think big, dream big and work hard for their future.
While acknowledging the numerous requests the school had made for additional support, Mulinge advised school authorities and the community to take good care of the newly provided infrastructure before expecting further assistance.
Soroti District’s LCIV Chairperson, Simon Peter Edoru Ekuu, urged parents to stop sending their children to distant schools emphasizing that Ocokican Community Secondary School is now equipped to provide quality education.
“When children study close to home it becomes easier for parents to monitor their progress and ensure their safety,” Edoru said.
He further warned parents against renting houses for their children in faraway towns when a fully functional school is now available in their own community.
Madam Abago reminded the community that it is their responsibility to protect and maintain the school’s assets.
She cautioned against damaging emphasizing that the school furniture, borehole and other facilities were meant to serve generations of students and should not be misused.
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