Director of Human Resources of MTN-BENIN, Viviane Dalia SISSUH also chairs the foundation of the mobile phone operator in the country. In this interview where she takes stock of ten years of actions of the Foundation, she also announces the organization of a “solidarity march” for the benefit of women on April 21, 2018.
What are the reasons why MTN Benin, a purely commercial company decided to create, a foundation? Effect of fashion or MTN had a social program?
Fashion effect, not at all! The foundation is part of the MTN DNA. Indeed, during the year 2001 can not remain insensitive to the terrible flood that struck Mozambique, MTN, at the head of South African companies, decides to fly to the aid of this country stricken.
Hence the immediate adoption of the concept of Social Responsibility vis-à-vis communities. The adoption of this concept induces the need for the creation of a Foundation in South Africa and the immediate decision to create one in each unit of operation.
In Benin, the MTN Foundation was created in 2009. Over the years, MTN has positioned itself as a pioneering corporate citizen of social responsibility, which contributes to improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable groups. The MTN Foundation is actively engaged in the key areas of rural women’s empowerment, education, health, environment and sport.
What is your assessment of the 10 years of the MTN-Benin Foundation?
In 10 years we have done a lot for our communities. The MTN Foundation positively impacted the lives of communities through sustainable projects in the areas of Health, Education, Sport, Environment, Rural Women Empowerment.
For example, one of the largest projects we have done in the field of education will be digital classrooms in which we have invested nearly half a billion dollars. A total of 1,000 computers with digital content and Internet access are acquired for 50 selected schools throughout the country.
The MTN Foundation has also built class modules in a dozen localities – Bembèrèkè, Bopa, Agbagnizoun, Soubroukou, Longbondjin, Cobly, Attouhonou, etc.
In the field of health, the Foundation has invested so much. As projects we can mention:
- The Millionth Subscriber Campaign: In 2008, MTN Benin had crossed the threshold of one million subscribers. To thank subscribers for their trust, the foundation launched the Millionth Subscriber campaign. It consisted in investing a sum of 100,000 FCFA in a social action related to health. Thus, the zone hospitals of the 12 departments of Benin were equipped with beds, gallows, cradles, carts, delivery tables and mosquito nets.
- The Yellow Line of MTN: The MTN Foundation launched in 2009 the Yellow Line against AIDS, which was later added a new theme: Violence against women. The Yellow Line now handles more than 24,000 calls, an average of 2,000 calls per month for any information related to HIV / AIDS. As a member of the SIS Africa network (Solidarité Info Service) and its board of directors, Yellow Line listeners benefit from training both nationally and internationally.
Donations of medical-technical equipment to Lissentoun hospital, Bohicon commune: Inaugurated in 2012 in the presence of city officials, the hospital benefited from the support of the MTN Foundation in medical equipment. This hospital serves a large part of the rural population of the municipality.
So many actions and investments in 10 years. Yet MTN does not communicate around its social actions. Why this option?
If, the Foundation communicates on its actions through media coverage. Only, it is careful not to communicate too much to the point of making commercial advertisements, the essential thing for us being to change positively and durably the life of our communities. Today, the trend is changing as a large fund has been allocated to the foundation for communication about its activities.
Madam Director, what are the actions planned to mark the 10th anniversary of the MTN Benin Foundation?
Planned actions are multiple and multifaceted. The solidarity march scheduled for April 21st, whose financial repercussions will help improve the living conditions of rural women, will mark the 10th anniversary of the Foundation.
Then, will follow a series of planned activities such as the inauguration of the Lotcho Drilling (municipality of Bohicon) this April 12th. Of course, other activities, mainly in the areas of health, education, environment are also planned.
Finally, can you tell us about upcoming major projects at the MTN Benin Foundation?
The Foundation will continue to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged populations. Our goal is to positively and sustainably impact our communities. The project of digital classes is ongoing and is one of the foundation’s major projects.
The training phase for managers of digital classes will start very soon with the support of the Beninese Agency for Universal Services, Electronic Communication and Post (ABSU-Cep).
We are also planning a major health project towards the end of the year. Discussions are ongoing with health stakeholders to ensure that it effectively meets the needs of beneficiary populations.
