In an exciting initiative to further improve access to education for SA’s children, MTN is launching “Learn with Oxford” in partnership with Oxford University Press, one of the leading global publishers of educational content. 

After a difficult two years following the outbreak of COVID-19, new opportunities to access quality content and study material through digital channels is offering students a crucial lifeline. 

“We recently launched MTN Online School in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, and now our partnership with the Learn with Oxford platform, a global-first initiative launching in South Africa, will offer Grade 10-12 a high-level digital learning content experience, with innovative and interactive features. We aim to keep students engaged, switched on and ahead of the game with this new offering,” says Ernst Fonternel, Chief Digital Officer at MTN South Africa. 

A key benefit of the service is the access to rich CAPs aligned study and revision material in the Learn with Oxford digital library. 

“Typically, learners have to purchase study material at once-off fees and possibly do not have enough money to buy study guides for all their required subjects. In most cases, books are passed down from friends or family which means the learner may end up with outdated content. This problem is solved with a comprehensive, up-to-date digital library,” says Fonternel. 

MTN’s Learn with Oxford platform makes a whole library of study material accessible at a single affordable subscription fee exclusive to MTN customers through MTN Play. MTN Play is a digital lifestyle destination which connects users to a world of the best and most useful mobile content in entertainment as well as curated educational content. 

The Learn with Oxford content offering includes: 

• Interactive lessons in the most difficult concepts in key subjects (Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Accounting, Geography, English, Mathematical Literacy) 

• Interactive atlases 

• Grammar Guides in English, Afrikaans, IsiZulu, IsiXhosa 

• Literature Study Guides and interactive learning content 

What makes Learn with Oxford unique is that it offers interactive content that specifically targets difficult areas of the current curriculum and provides in-depth teaching enriched by a variety of multimedia assets. It is also easy to access and is provided in widely supported formats that are compatible with all modern phones. The service is updated regularly with topical content related to the curriculum. MTN South Africa | Media Release 

Sensitivity: Public 

“Educational success in Grade 12 is crucial for anyone planning on gaining access to higher education and pursuing a career they love,” says Fonternel. “We are acutely aware that many of SA’s children were badly affected by COVID-19, with interruptions to their schooling the only constant in their lives. Our focus on education solutions like MTN Online School and Learn with Oxford aims to help SA’s students overcome these challenges so they gain the edge they need to pursue and reach their dreams”. 

MTN chose Oxford University Press (OUP) Southern Africa as a key partner due to its impressive track record of over 400 years in the global education space with 100 years in South Africa. As South Africa’s number one dictionary and literacy publisher, they produce a wide range of quality curriculum-compliant educational material for use in the classroom and at home. Using local experts and authors, OUP has published in all 11 languages for South African learners. 

“Our intention with services like Learn with Oxford is to harness the full benefits of the modern, connected world to ensure SA’s children are connected to their curricula and other beneficial study programmes, no matter the challenges and no matter where they may be. Our focus is on constantly improving the lives of our customers. MTN Play is a key digital destination to work, learn and play,” concludes Fonternel. 

"The pandemic has had a two-fold effect on digital learning in South Africa. On the one hand it has been an invaluable opportunity for students and teachers to continue learning and mitigating learning gaps. But this has largely been to the benefit of the higher socio-economic groups, unfairly so. This has led to an even greater digital learning divide for students with lower levels of access to digital learning. I am so excited about the launch of Learn with Oxford as our partner MTN has really come up with a truly accessible access model, making world class learning available to all students." - Fathima Dada, Managing Director of Oxford University Press' Education Division.