Digital Access and Literacy Project

Digital Skills Delivered Where They Are Needed Most

Taking practical digital learning to youth, women, school leavers and underserved communities across Uganda through the solar-powered MTN Internet Bus.

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Implemented by Maendeleo Foundation in partnership with MTN Foundation Uganda.

Project at a Glance

Project
Digital Access and Literacy Project
Implemented by
Maendeleo Foundation
Partner
MTN Foundation Uganda
Delivery Platform
Solar-powered MTN Internet Bus
Training Format
10 training days delivered over two weeks
Geographical Focus
Rural, remote and underserved communities across Uganda
Primary Participants
Youth aged 15–35, women and school leavers
Project Period
Since 2022
The Initiative

Bringing Digital Opportunity Closer to Communities

The Digital Access and Literacy Project is a nationwide initiative implemented by Maendeleo Foundation in partnership with MTN Foundation Uganda. It was established to help bridge Uganda’s digital divide by ensuring that people are not excluded from education, employment, entrepreneurship and essential services because of where they live or their limited access to technology.

Through the MTN Internet Bus, Maendeleo Foundation takes computers, internet connectivity, solar power and experienced trainers directly to remote, hard-to-reach and underserved communities. Participants receive practical training that helps them use digital tools confidently, safely and productively.

Project impact since 2022
5,933
Participants Trained
44
Communities Reached
99%
Young Participants
48%
Women Participants

Why This Project Matters

Access to digital technology is increasingly necessary for education, employment, entrepreneurship, communication and access to essential services. However, many people in rural and underserved communities remain excluded from these opportunities.

The barriers go beyond internet connectivity. Many communities have limited access to computers, reliable electricity, affordable training and opportunities to practise using digital tools. Young people may leave school without the practical digital skills required by employers, while women and other underserved groups may struggle to access the opportunities available through the digital economy. DALP responds by taking the equipment, trainers and learning environment directly to the people who need them.

Limited access to computers

Unreliable electricity and connectivity

Limited access to practical training

Distance from established learning centres

The MTN Internet Bus

A Classroom That Travels

Fully Mobile

Designed to navigate all terrains to reach the most remote and disconnected communities across Uganda.

Self-Sufficient Power

Equipped with independent solar panels to reliably run classes without relying on the national electricity grid.

Connected Hub

Fitted with robust internet routers and pre-loaded offline digital resources to guarantee continuous learning.

The MTN Internet Bus is a mobile, solar-powered computer classroom that enables Maendeleo Foundation to deliver digital training beyond traditional classrooms and computer laboratories.

Equipped with computers, internet connectivity and an independent solar-power system, the bus can operate in communities where access to electricity and digital infrastructure is limited.

The bus is more than a vehicle. It is a classroom, a computer laboratory and a bridge connecting underserved communities to learning and opportunity.

Mobile computer classroom
Solar-powered environment
Internet connectivity
Facilitator-led training
Process

How the Project Works

1

Identify & Mobilise

Maendeleo Foundation works with local leaders and stakeholders to identify underserved communities and mobilise eligible participants.

2

Deploy the Bus

The MTN Internet Bus travels to the selected community with the equipment and resources needed to create a functional learning environment.

3

Deliver Training

Participants attend a 10-day intensive digital-literacy camp delivered over two weeks.

4

Learn Through Practice

Learners use computers and digital tools throughout the training, building confidence through guided, practical activities.

5

Apply the Skills

Participants connect their new skills to education, job searching, communication, entrepreneurship and access to online services.

Curriculum

What Participants Learn

Computer Basics

Operating a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, managing files and navigating common applications.

Internet & Information

Browsing the internet, searching for useful information and evaluating online sources.

Digital Communication

Using email and other digital communication platforms confidently and professionally.

Productivity Tools

Using digital tools for writing, presentations, record-keeping, collaboration and everyday work.

Online Safety

Protecting personal information, identifying common online risks and participating responsibly online.

Digital Content Creation

Creating, organising and sharing information using digital tools.

Employment & Entrepreneurship

Using technology to search for work, develop professionally, communicate with customers, market a business and access new opportunities.

Note: The training is adapted to participants’ experience levels and community needs.

Voices from the Community

Behind every number is a personal story of transformation. Here are some of the individuals whose lives have been impacted by the Digital Access and Literacy Project.

"Hear Chloe's incredible journey with the MTN Internet Bus and how digital skills training unlocked new opportunities for her."

C
Chloe
MTN Internet Bus Training

"Listen to Abigail's testimony from Sheema on how the Digital Access and Literacy Project transformed her perspective and career prospects."

A
Abigail
DALP Beneficiary, Sheema

"From basic computer skills to digital confidence: Watch Julius's story and see the real-world impact of foundational IT training."

J
Julius
Digital Skills Graduate

Help Us Take Digital Opportunity Further

Bridging the digital divide requires collaboration. Partner with Maendeleo Foundation to bring practical digital skills closer to the people and communities that need them most.

Bring DALP to Your Community

For community leaders, schools and organisations interested in hosting a digital-literacy camp.

Request a Training Camp

Become a Project Partner

For companies, institutions and development organisations interested in helping DALP reach more communities.

Partner With Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Digital Access and Literacy Project?

DALP is a nationwide digital-inclusion initiative implemented by Maendeleo Foundation in partnership with MTN Foundation Uganda.

What is the MTN Internet Bus?

It is a solar-powered mobile computer classroom used to take computers, connectivity and practical digital training directly to communities.

How long does the training take?

Each digital-literacy camp consists of 10 training days delivered over two weeks.

Who can participate?

The project primarily serves youth aged 15–35, women, school leavers and people living in underserved communities.

Where is the project implemented?

DALP is designed to serve rural, remote, hard-to-reach and underserved communities across Uganda.

How can a community participate?

Community leaders, schools, institutions and organisations can contact Maendeleo Foundation to discuss opportunities to host a training camp.