MTN Boosts Kajjansi skilling centre with UGX17m
![MTN Boosts Kajjansi skilling centre with UGX17m](../admin/images/MTN Nottiingham Trent.jpg)
Officials with some of the skills training equipment at the handover event
Five years ago, Ms Mariam Nakirijja, a community health worker, visited the Nottingham Trent University, one of the best multi-skilling institutions in England.
On returning to Uganda, she decided to start a social enterprise she named Nottingham Trent Training Centre, in Kajjansi, Wakiso District, with the aim of fighting poverty by helping women and vulnerable youth to acquire skills in various disciplines including tailoring cookery, hair dressing, among others.
The training centre, currently operated by the Tusitukire Wamu Development Association, became an instant hit, given the high number of unemployed women and youth in the area.
- Today, the center provides essential skills training in tailoring, baking, and hairdressing to over 300 individuals, mainly school dropouts, teenage mothers, youths, persons with disabilities, and disadvantaged boys.
However, the proprietors, desperate for more equipment because of the high number of trainees at the centre, decided to try their luck by participating in MTN’s Change Makers Grant challenge, which was launched last year to bolster grassroots projects that are making a significant impact on their communities.
Luckily, they emerged winners of UGX17 million worth of equipment, which were handed over to the centre in Kajjansi on March 7.
- Speaking at the handover, officials said the contribution marked a critical phase in their partnership with the Tusitukire Wamu Development Association, highlighting MTN’s commitment under its ‘Ambition 2025’ strategy to foster digital innovation for national progress.
![MTN Boosts Kajjansi skilling centre with UGX17m](../admin/images/MTN Nottingham Trent1.jpg)
![MTN Boosts Kajjansi skilling centre with UGX17m](../admin/images/MTN Nottingham trent3.jpg)
Zakiyu Kikomeko, the MTN Uganda’s Chief Community Officer for Kajjansi Town Council, commended the partnership between MTN and the centre.
“Our collaboration with the Tusitukire Wamu Development Association is a clear indication of our unwavering commitment to community development and empowerment,” he said. “Through this initiative, we are not just making a donation; we are investing in a sustainable future where technology and community efforts combine to open up endless opportunities.”
Speaking on behalf of the training centre, Ms Nakirijja highlighted the significant impact this support would have on community livelihoods as they will benefit from free training opportunities.
“We are now going to give our learners six month’s free study because MTN Uganda has also supported us. We invite all residents here to bring learners irrespective of their age, to acquire the new skills. They will only pay fees for their Directorate of Industrial Training Examinations,” she said.
- Also in attendance was the Kajjansi Town Council Mayor Al-Bashir Kayondo, who applauded MTN Uganda and partners for supporting the training center.
- The officials said MTN Foundation's contribution is a strategic move within the broader Ambition 2025 initiative, aimed at enhancing digital solutions that cater to the evolving needs of Ugandan society. Additionally, the foundation has earmarked Shs 500 million to support 25 Change-makers initiatives across Uganda's five sub-regions.
These projects, focused on sectors such as economic empowerment, education, health, water, and environmental sustainability, are designed to benefit youth, women, persons with disabilities, and rural communities.