IHS Cameroon, a telecommunications infrastructure company, has partnered with UNICEF Cameroon to expand digital learning opportunities for children and young people across the country through the Connect My School Initiative. The initiative, announced in Yaoundé, seeks to strengthen access to technology-driven education by constructing an innovative e-container, equipped with modern information technology tools and powered by solar energy.The facility is expected to serve learners in the Southwest Region, providing access to digital resources and a conducive environment for technology-based education. Built partly with recycled materials, the e-container also promotes environmental sustainability while helping to narrow the digital divide in underserved communities.Beyond the infrastructure, the partnership will also organise an Education-Technology Bootcamp designed to enhance digital awareness among children and young people. The programme will engage participants in practical learning activities aimed at improving digital literacy, fostering innovation, and developing problem-solving skills to address local challenges.As part of the initiative, teachers at Government Bilingual High School Sodiko in Douala will also receive specialised training in digital pedagogy. The training will focus on equipping educators with modern teaching methods that integrate technology into the classroom, thereby improving learning outcomes and building a more sustainable educational environment.Speaking during the announcement, Olufemi Arosanyin, Chief Executive Officer of IHS Cameroon, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to advancing education and digital inclusion in the country.“This partnership reflects our strong commitment to advancing education and digital inclusion for children and young people in Cameroon. Through strategic collaboration and increased access to digital learning, we aim to create a model for sustainable development by leveraging technology to transform the educational landscape,” he said.For her part, Nadine Perrault,
UNICEF Representative in Cameroon, welcomed the collaboration, noting that it aligns with efforts to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for children.“We recognize and welcome IHS Cameroon’s commitment to helping UNICEF achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for children,” she stated.
The two organisations share a long-standing partnership focused on improving the lives of children, particularly in crisis-affected regions of Cameroon. Their collaboration spans several sectors including education, health, and digital inclusion.The Connect My School Initiative, stakeholders say, represents a practical example of how innovative technology can be leveraged to expand access to quality education for children across the country.Observers note that the success of the e-container project has been driven by strong leadership and strategic coordination, particularly through the efforts of Barbara Melem, Senior Manager for Communications and Sustainability at IHS. Her role in managing the partnership and aligning the initiative with global development standards helped bridge the gap between conceptual planning and the technical deployment of the facility.The initiative is now being viewed as a scalable model for sustainable development, especially in underserved regions where access to digital learning infrastructure remains limited.
About IHS Towers
IHS Towers is one of the world’s largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared telecommunications infrastructure by tower count. The company operates more than 39,000 towers across eight markets including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to promote and protect the rights and well-being of children, with a particular focus on reaching the most vulnerable and marginalized.
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