MTN Uganda Empowers Visually Impaired Students at St. Mary Goretti Secondary School

In the heart of Lira, at St. Mary Goretti Secondary School in Ngetta-Lira City East Division, visually impaired students now have a brighter future thanks to MTN Uganda’s timely intervention. Located just 8 kilometers from the city center, St. Mary Goretti is the only school in the Lango region dedicated to visually impaired learners. Despite its critical role, the school faces severe challenges, particularly a lack of modern digital tools that are essential for education in today’s technology-driven world.

St. Mary Goretti, established by the Itinga Charity Education Foundation (ICEF) under Kevin Acen, enrolls 45 students, with many relying on outdated methods and inadequate resources to navigate their education. The school lacks essential adaptive technologies such as talking calculators, Braille tablets, and specialized computers, which are vital for subjects like mathematics, language, and science.

Luke Etuk, the school’s head teacher, describes the struggle: "Without the right tools, tasks like reading, solving math problems, or accessing digital learning materials are incredibly difficult," he explains. He highlights the urgent need for technologies like talking calculators and computers equipped with Braille software. These tools, he says, are essential for fostering independence and academic growth.

In addition to digital challenges, the school faces logistical issues, such as the lack of Braille textbooks and Orbit readers. The limited availability of these resources in Lira means students often have to rely on outdated materials or wait for high-cost transportation from Kampala to access new resources.

Despite these difficulties, the school's dedicated teachers, such as Emma Namwamba, remain committed to providing a quality education. Namwamba emphasizes the importance of tactile methods and creativity to engage visually impaired students, ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed.

“Watching a student conquer a difficult concept is incredibly rewarding,” Namwamba says, noting that his motivation comes from the resilience shown by his students every day.

The students, too, are determined to overcome the barriers they face. Nazaneen Goi Inyonu, a sighted peer and advocate for inclusivity, has made it a point to help her visually impaired classmates whenever possible. She highlights the resource gap and the need for increased support from the community.

But now, there’s a reason to be hopeful. MTN Uganda has stepped in to bridge the digital divide. Through its MTN Change Maker initiative, MTN Uganda has donated three desktop computers, each equipped with Braille JAWS software, valued at 20 million shillings. These computers will enable visually impaired students to engage with digital content and overcome many of the challenges they face in learning.

In addition to the computers, MTN Uganda has provided 40 new sitting desks, creating 80 additional learning spaces and improving the overall learning environment. This donation is in line with MTN Uganda's broader Ambition 2025 strategy, which promotes digital and financial inclusion across Uganda.

Brian Kagwisagye, MTN Uganda’s Regional Business Manager for Northern Uganda, explains, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for empowerment, but for many learners with disabilities, access remains a challenge. Through technology and infrastructure support, we hope to remove these barriers and help students pursue their ambitions.”

While MTN Uganda’s donation has made a significant impact, the need for ongoing support remains. Mathew Omara, the councilor for persons with disabilities in Lira, urges both the government and the private sector to do more. “This donation is a great start, but we need continued support to ensure schools like St. Mary Goretti are fully equipped,” Omara said.

Supporters, including Emmy Lawrence Egole, the Resident City Commissioner of Lira, have echoed the call for more collaboration. “It’s a welcome intervention, but more needs to be done to ensure these students have the tools they need to succeed,” Egole remarked.

As the digital divide continues to affect marginalized communities in Uganda, St. Mary Goretti’s journey highlights the importance of ensuring that students, regardless of their abilities, have access to the resources necessary to thrive. With continued efforts from the government, private sector, and the community, there is hope that students with disabilities in Uganda will finally have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.