Celtel sponsors African Journalism Award

Celtel, one of Africa's leading GSM mobile brands, was pleased to be the major sponsor of the Africa Education Journalism Award held in Nairobi on Friday 6th June, and presented by the President of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), Mr Ahlin Byl-Cataria.

The award was sponsored through MSI Cellular, the company that owns the Celtel group of GSM networks which operate in over ten African countries.

During the awards ceremony MSI Cellular's Director of External Affairs, Mamadou Kolade said:

"We are proud to support a this key award for the development of the continent, where our company is known for its contribution towards sustainable solutions."

For the articles in English, the first prize was awarded to Cornia Pretorius of South Africa, for her article "The Writing's on Board" featured in South Africa's The Sunday Times. Second prize winner was Pilirani Semu-Bamda of Malawi for "Education Standards in Malawi continue to Plummet" published in The Nation. Prize winners for articles written in French were: Daouda Mané and Mamadou Lamine Badji from Senegal (first prize) for their article "Fuite des Cerveaux et Remèdes du Mal" ("Brain Drain and Remedies") and Sabrina Quirin from Mauritius for "Le Centre Ste Famille, une Alternative a la Rue" ("The Ste Famille Center, an alternative to the streets") published in Port-Louis-based Weekend.

The prize winner and editors-in-chief of each publication will be invited to undertake a study visit including seminars in Paris and London. In addition, the first prize winner in each language will receive a cash award of 2,000 Euros, while the second place winners will receive 1,000 Euros.

This initiative further demonstrates the commitment of MSI Cellular and Celtel companies to the development of education in Africa. Through its Celtel network, MSI Cellular also runs a "back to school" programme for children suffering from civil unrest in Africa, donating school materials, and contributing to the rebuilding and renewing of school facilities, whilst training school staff on latest developments in information technology.

MSI Cellular's Director of External Affairs, Mamadou Kolade commented:

"The award is only one part of the involvement of Celtel companies in African education. Education and training is a high priority for Celtel companies, both within the organization and for Africa's youth, our customers."

For more details, please contact: Martin de Koning, Celtel Corporate Communications Director, +31 23 554 2671 or +31 6558 22409, deKoning.M@celtel.com