HiPipo Money

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Emirates, a global connector of people, places and economies today announced that it will launch a new daily service to Brussels, Belgium, from 5^th September 2014.

Hosting the European Commission, the European Council and over 120 other international organisations, Brussels is a key decision making centre. Home to thousands of international diplomats and civil servants, Emirates’ new service will add to the city’s global connectivity and contribute to further stimulating the country’s economic growth.

Brussels will be Emirates’ 147^th destination, closely following the launch of Oslo, Norway on 2^nd September. The non-stop service will be operated by a Boeing 777 in a three-class configuration. Emirates will be the first international airline to offer a First Class product from Brussels to the Middle East and Asia offering customers an unrivalled travel experience.

“As the centre of European politics and a hub of economic activity, Brussels is already an important offline market for Emirates.  Our research has shown that there is high demand for this route from across our network, from both the business and public sector as well as leisure travellers. Belgium operates an open and private enterprise-based economy and we expect this new service to further boost bilateral trade and commerce between the UAE and Belgium, which currently sits at around €4 billion per year,” said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates airline.

The new service will greatly increase convenience and choice for the large number of Belgian consumers who currently have to travel via other airports to reach Dubai.

Drawing around 7.5 million tourists each year, Belgium is also home to 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites. In tandem with the country’s growing tourism segment, Emirates expects strong passenger traffic into Brussels on the route from Dubai and also an increased tourism demand for Belgium from large markets on Emirates’ network such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines and Korea which currently lack direct passenger flights to Belgium.

“Brussels complements our existing European destinations and with our new flight, customers will now be able to fly direct from Brussels to Dubai, and onwards to key cities in the Far East, Australia, South Asia, the Middle East and South Africa,” added Mr Clark.

A multi-modal hub, Brussels International Airport has its own train station allowing quick and frequent travel options linking it to all major cities in Belgium as well as the major industrial centres of Europe.

 “Brussels Airport is delighted to welcome Emirates to Belgium. With this new daily flight, Emirates opens a direct connection between Belgium and Dubai, supporting the economic and leisure ties between our country and the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, this new route provides the Belgian traveller with a broad choice of convenient transfer connections throughout the Middle East, Asia and beyond to Australia and New Zealand,” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company.

Ranked as one of the world’s top 20 trading nations, Belgium is a key cargo hub with exports accounting for a significant percentage of the country’s GDP. Key export commodities which Emirates SkyCargo expects to transport include; pharmaceuticals, automotive spare parts, chocolates, machinery and equipment and electronics. Imported air freight is also expected to be considerable.

Emirates’ new daily flight to Brussels will depart Dubai as EK183 at 0750hrs* and arrives at Brussels International Airport, at 1315hrs* the same day. The return flight, EK184 will depart at 1445hrs* and arrives at Dubai International Airport at 2325hrs* the same day.

Throughout all cabin classes, passengers can enjoy over 1,600 channels of entertainment on demand on ice, the airline’s award-winning in-flight entertainment system. 

Passengers on all Emirates flights also have the added bonus of generous baggage allowance with 30 kilogrammes for those travelling in Economy Class, 40 kilogrammes for Business Class and 50 kilogrammes for First Class.

The UAE is home to over 30 Belgian companies and over 3,000 Belgian residents. Emirates currently has over 160 Belgian nationals working in various roles across the company. 

Brussels will be the eighth new destination from Emirates this calendar year following the earlier launches of Kiev, Taipei and Boston as well as Abuja and Kano launching on 1^st August, Chicago launching on 5^th August and Oslo launching on the 2^nd September 2014.

*Flight times are per summer scheduling

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Leading regional investment company sells its full majority stake in a leading Sudan-based bank as part of its program to shed non-core assets over the coming three years; firm remains a large-scale investor in Sudan

Citadel Capital (CCAP.CA on the Egyptian Exchange), the leading investment company in Africa and the Middle East, has exited its full 66.12% stake in Sudanese Egyptian Bank (SEB) in a US$ 22 million sale to the Islamic Solidarity Bank of Sudan.

“Having helped grow it from a small, trade-focused bank into a full-fledged Islamic financial institution, we are delighted to have exited our investment in Sudanese Egyptian Bank and placed it with a strategic parent with the capacity to take it to the next level,” said Citadel Capital Chairman and Founder Ahmed Heikal. “This transaction is entirely in line with our program of divesting non-core assets to focus on proven winners in our five core industries: energy, transportation, agrifoods, mining and cement across a footprint that concentrates on Egypt, North Africa and East Africa.”

Originally established to facilitate trade between Egypt and Sudan, SEB is a full-service, Shariah-compliant bank with a diverse portfolio of corporate and individual clients. Sudanese Egyptian Bank is a portfolio company of Finance Unlimited, a non-core Citadel Capital platform in the regional banking and finance industry.

Citadel Capital is shedding non-core investments at appropriate times and valuations over the coming three-plus years.

“This said, we will continue to be significant long-term investors in Sudan, where we see great opportunities to create value for our shareholders in the years ahead,” Heikal noted.

Citadel Capital subsidiaries in Sudan operate in sectors including cement (leading cement producer Al-Takamol Cement Co.); agrifoods (Rashidi for Integrated Solutions, leading Sudanese confectioner Al-Musharraf, and large-scale farm Sabina); and transportation (NRTC Keer Marine, a division of river transport company Nile Logistics).

“Proceeds from our divestment program will be used to both deleverage and fuel growth at core subsidiaries,” Heikal noted. “We are also continuing to invest in governance at the Citadel Capital and subsidiary levels to ensure we have the people and systems we need to make our growth sustainable.”

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For the fourth year running, the Airtel Africa Championship will provide an opportunity for budding stars around Africa to showcase their football skills and to gauge their raw talent against continental peers. Airtel announced today that the Airtel Rising Stars Africa Championship finals will take place in Fort Portal from the 19^th to 23^rd June 2014 in partnership with partnership with FUFA, Rwenzori Water and Arsenal FC.

The Airtel Rising Stars initiative, the biggest Under-17 grassroots tournament on the African continent, aims at identifying talent and nurturing upcoming footballers. This is one of the few football equal opportunity initiatives that targets boys and girls. Over the years, the Airtel Rising Stars initiative has yielded many success stories and has enabled several upcoming soccer talents to join Africa Premier League clubs and their countries’ national teams. The selected players would then get an opportunity to get the best-in-class sports training, during a residential clinic due to take place in Gabon this year is organized by Airtel and her partners.

Airtel’s Managing Director, Arindam Chakrabarty, said: “Airtel Rising Stars andThe Airtel Africa Championship are committed to growing grassroots football in Africa.  We believe emphatically that nurturing young talent is the means by which we will ensure the foundations of the game in this country stay strong.As one of the most unrelenting investment programs in grassroots sports in Uganda it would be great to see Ugandans cheer on the Airtel Rising Stars team that represents Uganda as the go to Gabon for the Soccer clinics.”

Minister of State for Housing Hon.SamEngola said: “, I would like to encourage the youth across Uganda to come out and participate in this program and showcase their potential not only nationally but on an international platform. I would also like to congratulate Airtel Uganda on partnering with FUFA, Rwenzori Water and to encourage them to work hand in hand in order to keep building football in the country and being role models for the youths.”

The Fourth Edition of the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) initiative has taken place in 16 countries across Africa with hundreds of thousands of youngsters taking part in the regional and national tournaments. The best teams of each country will be pitted against each other in the Airtel Africa Championship. The winning teams will receive the grand prize of USD 10,000 which will be put towards the players’ education. The teams representing Uganda will be selected from the regional games and finals that take place in the next few months across the country.

By designing a big stage for the teams and the future soccer stars, Airtel is inching closer to its objective of becoming the biggest and most consistent supporter of grassroots football in Africa.

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Thulani Nzima, Chief Executive Officer, South African Tourism: “A quick, easy solution for hosted buyers wanting to plug into a diverse array of South African leisure tourism offerings”

SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM’s Speed Marketing Sessions, the highly successful engine for brokering business at INDABA, are kicking into high-gear again this year, introducing an array of South African tourism product to 200 top quality hosted buyers from around the world.

These fast, highly effective sessions have been a huge hit since they were introduced at INDABA 2012. With inbound tourism to South Africa continuing on an encouraging growth trajectory, the sessions are expected to be a hive of potentially lucrative deal making.

“The Speed Marketing Sessions are specifically designed to facilitate as many fruitful trading contacts as possible, and given that South Africa is currently among the fastest growing inbound regions in the world – arrivals to the country rose by 10,2 % in 2012 and the 2013 figures are showing a similar growth trajectory, so we are expecting that international travel buyers will be keener than ever to plug into South Africa’s tourism offering,” says South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer Mr. Thulani Nzima.

The Speed Marketing Sessions will take place at Room 22 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban. In the sessions, global buyer delegates will be introduced to a wide variety of South African product, including everything from action-packed adventure and unique experiences to cosmopolitan hot spots.

Three types of tourist experiences have been identified for this year’s Speed Marketing Sessions. These are: Hidden Treasures (Saturday, May 10 from 12.30pm to 2pm), Urban Vibe (Sunday, May 11 from 12.30pm to 2pm) and Action Adventure (Monday, May 12 from 12.30pm to 2pm). Twenty products will be represented for each theme, and each will have 4 – 5 minutes each to make their sales pitch to the buyers.

Hidden Treasures is a collection of unique countrywide innovative products collated by the Tourism Enterprise Partnership, including heritage tours and attractions that offer insight into the people of

South Africa.

These are high quality, value-for-money products that authentically represent the people and stories of South Africa. “Market research has shown that global inbound tourists are increasingly seeking these experiences, so an enticing spread of these products will definitely be good for buyers attending the Speed Marketing Sessions,” says Nzima.

For the Urban Vibe session, South Africa’s most popular urban hubs will have the opportunity to showcase their attractions and experiences, while for Action Adventure, the most sought after adventure experiences have been chosen, including hot air ballooning, shark diving, river rafting, horse riding and hiking.

“We are committed to showcasing the best of South Africa to buyers in innovative, relevant ways at Indaba 2014, and this is what Speed Marketing is all about. Above all, these sessions are about doing business, and generating robust profits for our tourism industry over the next year,” says Nzima.

INDABA 2014 opens on May 10. For more information, please visit

http://www.indaba-southafrica.net

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Following on from its successful campaign in 2013, South African Tourism will once again host a group of bloggers from around the world to #MeetSouthAfrica.       

IN AN AGE where bloggers have become an important source of information for those searching for their next dream destination, destination marketing organisations are taking heed to their importance as a part of their digital marketing scope.

In 2014, 14 bloggers will traverse South Africa in search of the ideal activities, accommodation and destinations for their readers between 2 May and 11 May 2014. These bloggers include a mix of both international and local bloggers known for their influence in the travel sphere.

“South African Tourism has always been known as a leading organisation when it comes to digital marketing, and this year will be no different,” says Chief Executive Officer, MrThulaniNzima.

“We’re looking forward at INDABA to hosting a new pool of bloggers that are eager to come and Meet South Africa, explore our destination and convey what they find back to the world.”

The bloggers included in this year’s campaign are:

Melvin Boëcher – www.traveldudes.org

Matt Karsten – www.expertvagabond.com

Mauricio Oliveira – www.trilhaseaventuras.com.br

Caspar Diederik – www.storytravelers.com

JD Andrews – www.earthxplorer.com

UmeiThe – www.ccfoodtravel.com

Kash Bhattacharya – www.budgettraveller.org

Rob Lloyd – www.stophavingaboringlife.com

Adriana Lacerda – escapismogenuino.com

Heather Mason – www.2summers.net

MeruschkaGovender – www.mzansigirl.com

IshayGovender – www.foodandthefab.co.za

Dawn Jorgensen – theincidentaltourist.com

Katarina Mancama – simplysouthafrica.wordpress.com

“The bloggers will all start in Johannesburg, and then head out to other parts of the country over the course of the week leading up to INDABA 2014. We will be following their every move through the use of the hashtag #MeetSouthAfrica and we have lots of exciting elements and activities planned,” adds Nzima.

Some of this year’s activities include scheduled Instawalks – city walks with local Instgrammers who will show off their favourite photo spots – open to the public in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban; a Blogger’s Cocktail Event in Durban ahead of INDABA and panel discussion happening in the new TechZone at INDABA 2014.

South African Tourism first instituted its #MeetSouthAfrica Blogger’s Campaign in 2013 with the aim of opening up a new form of communication with potential travellers looking for their next holiday destination. The campaign saw over 219-million impressions of the hashtag across various social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

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With less than 50 days till the kickoff of the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza – The FIFA World Cup DStv has decided to make it possible for as many Ugandans as possible to enjoy the event by dramatically slashing its hardware prices.

Effective Thursday, 24^th April 2014, a fully  installed kit for DStv will go on sale for just 279,000 UGX.

Speaking at the launch of the World cup promo dubbed “We are Brazil” Bryan Muwonge, DStv Marketing Manager for Uganda said, “This is an amazing offer which I encourage Ugandans to take advantage of the price we are selling the equipment is almost 40% off what we normally charge.

He continued it is our main objective as DStv is to “ensure as many Ugandan’s as possible get the opportunity to watch the world cup in a crystal clear digital format on HD. The FIFA world cup is a special event that comes only once every four years as MultiChoice we want to make this a memorable experience which Ugandans will remember for a very long time”.

Talking about the channels where the matches will be shown Bryan stated that “in addition to the regular HD Super Sports channels where matches will be shown exclusively live, DStv will dedicate two 24 hour Super sports channels showcasing World Cup news, player updates, match highlights, expert commentary and replays to ensure that all our viewers will not miss even a minute of the action even if they have busy work schedules”.

He added “viewers who might be extremely busy and might miss some of the live matches should contact MultiChoice customer care and look at purchasing a DStv Explorer the latest and most advanced decoder from DStv, it comes with many exiting features including the option of recording two live matches at the same time”. It’s important to remember that most cities in Brazil are at least 6 hours behind Uganda so some of the matches will kick off quite late in the night”. 

The world cup is being held on the South American Continent for the first time in over 30 years, 32 teams will contest the finals in eight groups with the top two teams progressing to the second round and the knock out stages. A total of 64 matches are to be played in twelve cities across Brazil and for the first time at a World Cup Finals, the matches will use goal line technology. All the matches will be shown live exclusively on Super Sports. 

The World cup price special on DStv kits will be available while stocks last. 

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Airline brings A380 flight simulator and store to world’s most visited mall destination

Visitors to The Dubai Mall can now connect with aviation like never before, thanks to Emirates airline.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, today officially launched the newest Emirates Official Store and the Emirates A380 Experience – the Middle East’s first public A380 flight simulator – at the shopping destination.

Located at The Village at The Dubai Mall, the Emirates A380 Experience introduces visitors to the flight deck of the world’s most modern aircraft, allowing guests to experience the thrill of landing and taking off from 12 of the world’s busiest airports in different weather conditions. Adding to the excitement, guests will be scored on how well they navigate the aircraft, allowing them to compete against family and friends.  This is the airline’s second such project, having launched the Emirates Aviation Experience in London last year to a strong public reception.

“Emirates is the largest operator of the A380 with 47 in our fleet, and it is an immensely popular aircraft with our customers. We are delighted to present aviation enthusiasts with another unique perspective to the world’s largest passenger aircraft with the Emirates A380 Experience. Based on what we’ve seen in the UK, we believe the Emirates A380 Experience will be a very popular activity for mall visitors as well as for team building activity from corporate groups,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

“By bringing the Emirates A380 Experience and the Emirates Official Store to Dubai Mall, we aim to connect with a broader audience in a high-traffic lifestyle environment and provide them with a piece of the Emirates brand experience regardless of when they next travel,” he added.

Guests of the Emirates A380 Experience will have the chance to fly past Paris’ historic sites, soar over the canals of Amsterdam, and take in Hong Kong’s unmistakable cityscape, all on high-definition screens.

Just steps away, the newest Emirates Official Store carries the airline’s full range of merchandise – everything from model aircraft and clothing to the Little Travellers collection and travel accessories and will stock the full line of football shirts from the airline’s global sponsorships. The store is the airline’s 10^th retail location in the region, and its first outlet in a mall.

Starting as a line of corporate giveaways, Emirates has progressively developed its range of branded merchandise eventually launching its first Emirates Official Store in 1996. Emirates merchandise has grown in both range and popularity, and can be found being used, worn, collected and displayed by its customers and fans around the world. With hundreds of items on offer, shoppers at The Dubai Mall can take home a piece of Emirates as a memento or gifts for their loved ones.

Both the Emirates Official Store and Emirates A380 Experience at the Dubai Mall are open now.

Photos: 
1. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, cuts the ribbon at Emirates Official Store at The Dubai Mall
2. Sheikh Ahmed tours Emirates Official Store at The Dubai Mall
3. Sheikh Ahmed takes the pilot seat with Capt. MoatazAlswaini at the Emirates A380 Experience

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Happy Sunday held its first Easter Flash Sale in what promises to be a big hit of sales at every quarter of the year. Held at the Uganda Museum grounds, the sales saw a number of buyers and sellers come together to buy and sale everything they could at a price cap of Shs50,000. Although threatened by the weather, this didn’t stop people from dropping by after church service to buy something for themselves.

Among the items on sell included; arts and crafts, clothes, jewelry, baked foods, books and gym fitness services and many other things. There was also blood donation at the sale where many people were able to donate blood to the Red Cross service team.

Speaking at the sale, the Happy Sunday proprietor Sumaya Kiwanuka, said; “This is the start of a new trend in Kampala and I hope as we go we can expand and have more people take part in this sale. We have had a lot of support from many sellers and all the well-wishers. Happy Sunday plans on holding a grand sale every year’s quarter and with this we can connect as many people as possible at an affordable price cap of 50K”

Happy Sunday is giving sellers an opportunity to break out and introduce their brands to a large market. Happy Sunday is envisioned to be the next shopper’s fixture in Uganda which will capitalize on different themes so as to give consumers an exciting Buy, sale, experience. Be there and have a memorable Sunday. 

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Airtel Uganda adopts its 3^rd school at Nafungaki, Jinja.

• Over 750 school children benefit, with 16- renovated classes
• New library and computer room added

Brick-by-Brick initiative launched

• 1^st time ever, any corporate partners with customers for school adoptionand renovation.
• Customers to help re-build the schools through their contribution via sms, Airtel money or social media promotion

Airtel Uganda today announced the adoption of its3^rd school, Nafungaki Primary School, Jinjaunder the“Adopt a School” initiative.

This initiative started in July, 2012, with Airtel Uganda, adopting a new UPE school every year. Selection of the school is based on recommendation by the Ministry of Education,with the intention of renovating and upliftment of existing facilities. The day’s event, held at Magamaga Iganga road, Jinja, signaled the completion of renovation and the formal adoption of the3^rdschool.

Key guests present at the occasion included: the 2^ndDeputy Premier and Deputy leader of Government Business in Parliament, Rt. Hon (Rtd.) GeneralMoses Ali, the ICT Minister,Hon. John Nasasira, Area MP Hon. Daudi Migereko, LC1 Chairman and officials from Airtel Uganda. The finished work on the school showed significant improvements to the school buildings and amenities.

Airtel’s “Adopt-A-School” initiative is part of the company’s umbrella CSR program and it focuses on the education of underprivileged children in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of universal primary education. The move illustrates the strong commitment and investment Airtel has put into education in Uganda. Other schools adopted by Airtel Uganda in the last 2-years include, Ndeeba Church of Uganda, Ndeeba and St. Ponsiano Kyamula, Makindye.

On this occasion, Airtel Uganda also launched its Brick-by-Brick campaign which will give all Ugandans across the country, a chance to contribute at least one brick to the building of the new classroom block in the school. This campaign is a new CSR initiative that offers all Ugandans a unique opportunity to take part and own the social responsibility initiative.

Speaking at the event, the Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Mr. Arindam Chakrabartystated; “Airtel believes thatprimary education is the foundation for the social –economic development of Uganda and plays a vital role in creating leaders for tomorrow. Through the ‘Brick-by-Brick’ initiative we provide a platform for all Ugandan citizens to contribute in this noble cause of improving class room facilities and help improve the learning conditions. Its in-line with our Together We Can movement”

Guest of Honor, the 2^nd Deputy Premier and Deputy leader of Government Business in Parliament, Rt. Hon (Rtd.) General Moses Ali,commendedAirtel Uganda for partnering with the community and the Government, in helping improve the learning environment for Ugandan children. He commented, “We are very passionate about raising the profile of our primary schools and to be partnering with Airtel to attain model schools bringing our vision of world class facilities closer to realization.” 

ICT Minister Speech – Brick By Brick Launch

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to begin by thanking Airtel for inviting me to attend the launch of this school in Jinja.

Our government recognizes the pivotal role information and communications technologies (ICTs) play in accelerating economic growth and social development. The Ministry of Education and Sports is extremely heartened to see organizations like Airtel working to introduce strong educational initiatives and taking a progressive approach towards the development and improvement of Education in the country.

Through this Adopt a School initiative,Airtel has shown that there is hope for our children when it comes to education. We have to recognize the fact that not many CSR programs are geared towards education much as we know that without education our country’s future will have no strong bema to hold it.

As the minister for ICT, I urge the school administration to introduce ICT programs for the pupils and teach them more about the changing world. In many countries, students and pupils are resorting to the use of ICT to learn as is in Uganda we have introduced teaching of ICT in schools so as to take advantage of the fast change taking place in the world. One wouldn’t want to be left behind as the rest of the world moves on.

I hope the pupils have the chance to study this subject in the time to come. Allow me to invite the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business General Moses Ali

Thank You.

Guest of Honor Speech: Adopt-A-School& Brick by Brick Launch

• The ICT Minister,
• The Honorable Member of Parliament, District Leaders LCIII, LCV.
• Busoga Diocese,
• School Management, children, parents
• Airtel Management and Staff
• Members of the press
• All protocol observed

Good morning,

I am honored to have been invited here today to mark the official opening of the third school to be Adopted under the Airtel Our School Initiative and more so to officially endorse the Brick by Brick Social Responsibility campaign.

I would like to commend Airtel for the investments they are putting into helping us to turn Uganda’s public schools into functional institutions with proper infrastructure and sound resources.

Performance in the education system is at the heart of building the skills base for economic growth and development and ensuring that the society is able to achieve our equity and development goals. We’ve done very well as a democratic state to broaden access to education however two hands are better than one and the government’s commitment to provide knowledge and skills that are vital for economic growth and development will only bear fruit with the support and active participation of all persons. That means community leaders, parents and guardians, well-wishers and corporate organizationsalike.

We thank Airtel for its role in development and accordingly prioritizing its support for schools. Through this Adopt-A-School Initiative and Brick by Brick campaign they aim to ensure that children are well-prepared for the future.We are very passionate about raising the profile of our primary schools and to be partnering with Airtel to attain model schools brings our vision of world class facilities closer to realization.

We are aware more needs to be done to sustain the increased access and to improve the quality of the educational experience. Working with Airtel, provinces and districts, it is our earnest endeavor to ensure that teachers teach children every day, that learners have the necessary textbooks and workbooks, that the curriculum is covered and that students are supported where they need additionalhelp.

Airtel has truly lived up to their tag line TOGETHER WE CAN here today. Working together we can do more to improve the quality of basic education and make a difference in the lives of children. Together with education partners and stakeholders, including parents and guardians, we must ensure that all children come to school regularly and live up to their fullest potential.

In closing, I wish to urge the school leadership, teachers and students of Nanfugaki Church of Uganda Primary School to make the most of this investment. Your conduct and how you respond to this helping hand will greatly aid other equally deserving schools to receive a helping hand from the community and the business sector.

I would therefore, request everyone to emulate Airtel and support the Brick by Brick initiative and have the rare opportunity to be the first to contribute a brick today to ensure more schools are built and facilitated to full capacity for the betterment of Education in our country.

Thank You

AIRTEL MD SPEECH ADOPT A SCHOOL

The Third Deputy Premier, Hon. General Moses Ali, the ICT Minister, Hon. John Nasasira, your Lordship the Mayor of Jinja, our LC5 Chairman,  parents and teachers, invited guests and the media, ladies and Gentlemen.

Goodmorning!

Today, I am extremely proud to unveil the renovations made at the Nanfugaki Primary School, Jinja. I’m equally glad that among us we have the Mayor of Jinja and the LC5 chairman Jinja here today who have been instrumental figures and advocates for education. Without the support of our beloved line Minister for ICT we would not all be here and we thank you sir for making the time. I must note that is indeed great Honor to have amidst us the Third Deputy Premier who has chosen to honor us with his presence on what is also quite a busy time for him.

Today’s occasion flows from the partnership between Airtel Uganda, local communities and the Ministry of Education, and I would like to thank all our partners for the immense contribution and support they have given to this initiative. The fact that we are here today breaking ground on yet another school project demonstrates that our bonds of partnership are based on unity in action and are not just empty promises.

Improving learning outcomes for students should be a priority for the nation and the education sector. The physical environment is one of the easiest conditions that positively or negatively influence student academic achievement. The influences of such things as the lighting, flooring, furniture, and architecture, accessibility and cleanliness, are important elements of the learning experience and we must remember not to underestimate the impact they have.

Airtel believes in quality education being the most important tool for the social –economic development of Uganda and a vital role in poverty alleviation. By adopting a school we are not only providing children with an opportunity they may not have had otherwise, but igniting their curiosity and fueling their learning.

The Millennium Development Goals underscore the transformative nature of education. Airtel is doing its part to help our nation achieve those goals. We have heeded the call to make education a societal issue and are investing heavily in the resources vital to education. I have no doubt that year to year the selected schools will indeed benefit from this intervention.

Education is the bedrock of development. When it comes to teaching our youth all that can be done, needs to be done and today we are seeing the fruits of the commitment we have made to see real improvements in performance in the education sector.

Today is also a monumental day because we are launching the Brick by Brick initiative.Airtel with the Brick by Brick initiative aims to encourage the public buy a brick or bricks and together change a child’s life, through Airtel money, Facebook and SMS facilities.

With the help of communities, the Adopt-A-School initiativecan direct resources towards areas where support is really needed.Airtel is proud and privileged to be able to lend a helping hand. These acts of social responsibility go to show that working together we can do more to transform our schools into centers of excellence. Let us continue to work together to build an education system that will truly redress inequalities in educational provision and provide an education of progressively high quality for all learners.

I would now like to invite our guest of honor and all our partners to do the honors of breaking the ground, setting the foundations on which this new school project will commence.

Thank You