Airtel Kick-Starts School Adoption in Sierra Leone
As part of its corporate social responsibility, the management of airtel Sierra Leone has initiated “School Adoption Programme” under which it would adopt some deprived schools in rural areas for reconstruction and renovation in addition to the provision of teaching aids and furniture. In addition, it would provide school uniforms for the pupils, equip the school’s library and supplement income of teachers.
Airtel Sierra Leone’s Managing Director RVS Bhullar said his company has been undertaking many developmental programmes and this time, it has chosen to play a role in the development of the education sector in the country. To this effect, RVS Bhullar said the company was adopting one primary school now (Rural Education Committee School Tombo) and another to be identified in April 2011, to lessen the sufferings pupils and teachers are facing at these schools and to complement His Excellency the President’s Agenda for Change.
The Airtel boss said the company has an obligation to fulfill to society and the communities in which we they operate and help improve the quality of life for the underprivileged so that they realize their potential.
Airtel Sierra Leone MD – RVS Bhullar
Airtel aims to set up village-based Schools, which will deliver high quality education to poorest of children in the farthest of villages in Sierra Leone, Rural Education Committee School Tombo being a pilot. Airtel Schools are primary-level schools that are being set up with the guiding philosophy, “to create temples of learning, radiating knowledge and excellence for underprivileged children”. (Photo: Airtel Sierra Leone MD – RVS Bhullar)
This is the first time a telecommunications company has partnered and signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education to adopt government primary schools.
The MOU states that the Ministry and Airtel will jointly review the progress of the project and decide on how the project is to be continued.
RVS Bhullar remarked ‘We believe that a conducive learning environment can make a big difference in the performance of students which will allow them to reach their potential. Airtel aims to roll out this project to as many rural areas as possible and we are pleased to have the support of the Ministry of Education in our efforts and we will, among others, renovate all the blocks, rehabilitate toilets, and provide learning materials on a yearly basis.”
The project reflects the philosophy of the Bharti Foundation – the philanthropic wing of the Bharti Airtel Group of Companies – which seeks to make quality education accessible to all under privileged children.
The educational programmes undertaken by the foundation are geared towards creating a favourable learning environment for the needy. It involves close collaboration with the government and local communities.
In order to support this educational drive across the African continent, Airtel International is employing a music initiative known as ONE 8. A percentage of proceeds from the sales of ONE 8 records and merchandise have been committed to the Schools Adoption Programme.
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