MTN launches Bright Scholars Alumni Network to harness opportunity

Ghana's telecommunications company, MTN, has officially launched the Bright Scholars Alumni Network at a ceremony in Accra. The network aims to connect over 1,200 scholarship beneficiaries and assist them in supporting the next generation of young Ghanaians. MTN Ghana Foundation, the charity arm of the company, organized an exhibition to showcase a wide range of made-in-Ghana products as part of the launch.

The Bright Scholars Alumni Network was unveiled by the MTN Ghana CEO, Stephen Blewitt, on behalf of Madam Adwoa Wiafe, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer. The network will provide mentorship, CV reviews, job connections, and peer support to help the scholars overcome financial limitations that might otherwise restrict their potential.

The MTN Bright Scholarship, launched in 2017, has already supported 1,222 students, with 299 graduates achieving first-class honors. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, laptops, and book stipends. Madam Wiafe emphasized that for many scholars, the journey required resilience, as not all young people inherit professional networks.

The network seeks to bridge the gap by fostering mentorship and providing opportunities. MTN has also reaffirmed its commitment to education by announcing 1,500 new scholarships over three years, with 500 awarded this year. Additionally, the company aims to support teachers in upgrading their qualifications. Mr. Abdallah Ibrahim, General Manager for HR Operations & Analytics at MTN Ghana, highlighted the changing nature of work, stressing that continuous learning is now the most crucial career asset.

He mentioned that while a university degree is important, it should not limit one's career opportunities. Using his own career path as an example, Mr. Ibrahim stated that his first degree was in Accounting, but his career has taken him into Human Resources, Operations, and Analytics. He urged graduates to continuously learn, improve, and develop new competencies throughout their careers.

Mrs. Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, the Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, urged network leaders to protect members' interests, maintain unity, and ensure the programs respond to the needs of the members.