MTN Foundation, the charity wing of telecommunications giant, MTN Ghana has launched season III of its touching lives project “MTN Heroes of Change in Accra.
The project aims at identifying and rewarding ordinary individuals who on their own accord commit their energies and resources to brighten the lives of the less privileged in our communities.
The MTN Heroes of Change seeks to among others; encourage citizens to emulate the examples of change makers in their communities, empower people to pursue their visions and create awareness and support pressing societal issues that require urgent solutions.
Speaking at the launch, Corporate Services Executive of MTN Ghana, Mrs Cynthia Lumor disclosed that the MTN Foundation has expanded its support to many communities through nominees and winners of the previous Heroes of Change challenge.
She urged the public to help identify and individuals in their communities who are positively affecting lives through their little resources to the Foundation for support.
Dr Abrokwah Yenkyera won the MTN Heroes of Change season I in price money which he used to extend his free plastic surgery outreach programme to more rural communities.
Madam Paulina Opai, Founder of “Save Our Lives” Orphanage won Season II`s price of GHc 100, 000 to expand her care-giving work for orphans.
According to Mrs Lumor a panel of judges would collect entries from the general public and shortlist 10 for the finals.
“After the collection of entries, the projects submitted will be shortlisted by a panel of judges. Thereafter a team will be dispatched into the communities to verify the projects. The work of 10 shortlisted finalists will be broadcasted as part of a 13-week TV series. After this, winners for the categories in health, education and economic empowerment will be selected and recognized with awards of GHs20, 000 each,” she said.
She added that “The grand award of GHS100, 000 will be awarded to the finalist who will emerge as the 2016 MTN Hero of Change while the remaining six finalists will be awarded GhC5, 000 each to support their work.”
Mrs Lumor said the third season will feature the concept of “MyHero” which will allow people to recognize individuals who are touching the lives of others in little ways, adding that the public will also get the opportunity to support the work of their favourite nominees by making donations via Mobile Money to support their projects.
By CHRISTIAN KPESESE
