Following what the company notes a "particularly arduous and disruptive academic year", MTN has launched Summer School. It forms part of the free MTN Online School platform, with this specific feature focussing on assisting learners to close their knowledge gaps, in preparation for the 2022 school year. Running from 6 December to 14 January, the online summer school provides access to curriculum-aligned content, support, tutors, and revision for students in need across SA. 

MTN notes the Summer School provides a further avenue for learners to access quality curriculum-aligned educational content, as endorsed and provided by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). It includes easy-to-use revision lessons and assessments as well as online tutoring.  

The Department of Basic Education (DBE TV) channel 122 on Openview will support the engagements happening on the platform, while reminders, revisions and a dedicated schedule with times will be available through social media channels and on the Tswelopele, DBE and NECT websites. Moreover, catchup in cases where learners miss any lessons will be made available via the 2Enable YouTube Channel.  

Support in the Foundation Phase (which builds on the department’s 2021 Tswelopele Campaign) will be in both English and isiZulu and will cover maths, literacy skills and life skills. The intermediate and Senior Phase focuses on Grades 4, 6, 7, and 9 will focus on Mathematics, Natural Sciences & EFAL and Grade 9 Social Sciences. 

Revision support will also be provided to Grade 10 and Grade 11s in four key subjects - Maths, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Accounting. 

“Education is the cornerstone upon which the future success of our nation will be built. We are proud to launch our Summer School and I encourage as many children as possible to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity,” says Jacqui O'Sullivan, MTN SA's executive for corporate affairs.  

“Disadvantaged learners across South Africa have faced severe and extended disruptions to their academic programmes due to Covid-19 for close to two years. While everyone had hoped the crisis would abate in 2021, it has not and again disrupted the best laid plans of many students,” says O'Sullivan. “Our intention is therefore to harness our network, expertise and digital capabilities to find innovative ways to bring the classroom to these learners. Our Online School platform and Summer School will work to both enhance access and improve outcomes as children prepare to return to school in 2022.” 

A key feature is that all lesson notes will be available for downloading via the MTN platform to assist learners prepare, and know what to expect from each lesson, daily. The MTN Online School is zero-rated for MTN customers, which means the online help can be used without using any of the learner’s own MTN data.  

“This is a perfect additional support tool for those already using the free MTN Online School. It offers tailored guidance and support for those wanting to improve their grasp of key subjects, fine-tune or revise their knowledge,” says O'Sullivan. 

The MTN Online School remains the core portal for students and throughout the year it will provide a comprehensive digital curriculum for grades R-12 and additional features like video lessons, assessments, and extra-tuition lessons for Grade 10 to 12 learners 

Supporting education is a core imperative for MTN and the company will continue to harness the power of technology to drive change and bring the classroom, knowledge, and skills to children across SA, so they can benefit from the amazing opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution now on our doorstep.  

“The MTN Online School and Summer School are fit for purpose to take basic education in SA to the next level and I hope to see thousands of young and aspiring leaders of tomorrow signing on, enjoying their studies and succeeding in 2022,” concludes O'Sullivan.