For the third year, PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has partnered with McDonald’s Philippines to provide students with a safe and conducive learning space outside their schools. This year, they have opened the ‘Night Classroom’ in 60 participating stores nationwide.
The ‘McDonald’s Night Classroom’ is an extension of the McDonald’s Classroom initiative that began in 2020, converting approximately 250 unused party rooms into spaces for teachers and students to conduct virtual classes and fulfill their online learning needs.
With the reopening of schools, McDonald’s Philippines has adapted the project to cater to students who require a secure and suitable environment to do their homework, review lessons, and conduct online research beyond school hours.
To support the project, Smart has provided free WiFi access through Smart WiFi installations in McDonald’s stores, as well as Smart Bro Pocket WiFi units in other participating venues. This has enabled Night Classroom participants to connect online and make the most of the Philippines’ fastest and best mobile network, as acknowledged by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and network broadband intelligence.
Powered by Smart, participants of McDonald’s Night Classroom enjoy a worry-free online learning experience. They can access the internet, upload and download heavy files in seconds, quickly search for information, and stream instructional videos without buffering.
Since its launch on March 28 until May 31, the McDonald’s Night Classroom project had benefited over 40,000 participants across 60 McDonald’s branches nationwide, making a positive impact on the lives of teachers and students.
“McDonald’s has always been a safe and trusted space to create feel-good moments for all—whether you’re a family celebrating a birthday, an employee getting their coffee fix before work, or a student looking for a place to pull an all-nighter. Students have already been treating McDonald’s as their go-to place for meetings or study sessions, so the McDonald’s Night Classroom is our special way of supporting them with their schoolwork,” said Oliver Rabatan, McDonald’s Philippines Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
“We recognize the huge role of mobile technology in making education more accessible and bringing the world of learning to one’s fingertips. This partnership allowed us to work hand in hand to create connected and safe spaces for learning and help students and teachers achieve academic success. It’s our pleasure to provide free WiFi access at McDonald’s Night Classrooms nationwide for uninterrupted work and study sessions,” said Anton Agustin, Smart AVP and Head for Consumer WiFi & Mobile Advertising.