The corporate sector has an important role to play in giving the young workforce of tomorrow the skills and support to compete in an increasingly complex digital economy.
Exposing this future workforce to a multitude of ICT-related opportunities and career paths was the underlying aim of MTN’s Career Day, which concluded the 2018 MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care employee volunteerism programme.
“The workplace is changing at a rapid pace and technologically-driven advancements are creating new ecosystems where some careers are falling away and new options are being created every day,” says Jacqui O’Sullivan, Executive for Corporate Affairs at MTN SA.
The private sector cannot just sit back and complain about a lack of skills, says O’ Sullivan. “Corporates have a greater role to play in assisting students to stay a step ahead by helping them gain increasing sought-after skills,” she says.
150 young people from economically marginalised communities attended MTN’s Career Day. They were addressed by MTN Group CEO, Rob Shuter, who gave them invaluable insights and tips on how best to navigate the ICT market when they join the workforce.
Another highlight was an exhibition which provided behind-the-scenes insights into MTN’s different businesses, including Network, Marketing and MTN Business.
The Career Day also featured exhibitions by Denel, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and MTN’s partners Ericsson, Huawei, Samsung, Microsoft and Mustek.
“It is important for MTN to give these young students insights into the evolution of the workplace so that they can make informed decisions about their futures. It is about connecting the youth to the possibilities that lie in exciting industries like ours, so that their dreams and aspirations can be unlocked,” says O’Sullivan.
This year’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care included many fun and educational initiatives, kicking off with the MTN 21km Race hosted from MTN’s Head Office. The race saw 8500 runners join in for the 5, 10 and 21km. Funds were raising for identified schools and charities in need of ICT-enabled facilities, including special needs facilities.
Proceeds were put to good use, funding the establishment of a multimedia centre at the Sizwile Special School for the Deaf located in Dobsonvillle, Soweto. In addition, MTN refurbished the Afrika Tikkun Youth Centre in Diepsloot, and the Africa Tikkun Youth Centre in Orange Farm.
The renovation of the centres is set to create a technologically-enabled environment. The centres will also enhance the quality of learning and teaching in these schools, arming learners and teachers alike with the much-needed computer skills to enter the workforce as true global citizens.
In the Eastern Cape, MTN employees rolled up their sleeves and gave the administration block at Luna Primary School a fresh coat of paint and revamped the ablution facilities. They also received a donation of 737 pairs of school shoes.
Learners at Gengqe Senior Secondary School received 429 pairs of school shoes in a ceremony that was attended by parents, the chief and councillors. 290 pairs of shoes were also donated to Mzamomhle Special School. More helpful activities are planned for this institution.
In KwaZulu-Natal, MTN volunteers handed over 77 pairs of school shoes to Kwavulundlebe School of the Deaf in Umlazi. While in the Western Cape learners at Athlone School of the Blind received 300 pairs of school shoes.
In the Free State and Northern Province, 300 pairs of school shoes, winter gloves and scarves were donated to learners at Tatello Special School and George Kekana Secure Care School respectively.
“Each year that we embark on 21 Days of Y’ello Care, we are reminded that our employees are the heart and soul of MTN. We are proud to see them offer up their time, skills and resources to assist in these deserving communities. It is a sad reality that schools located in many of our neighbouring communities are neglected and in dire need of the facilities that we often take for granted. We will continue to use the power of connectivity to brighten lives,” concludes O’Sullivan.
Edited by Daniëlle Kruger
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