First Mining Drc-Zambia 2023 First Mining Drc-Zambia July -August 2023 digital magazine | Page 34

FEATURE
FEATURE

Kagem donates furniture to

Masasa Combined School

Masasa Combined School in Lufwanyama is making meaningful strides towards providing a conducive learning environment for its pupils , with support from Kagem Mining Limited .

As part of its initiative aimed at uplifting and enhancing education standards in the local districts , Kagem handed over furniture to the school , comprising 120 desks , two office tables , and 10 office chairs worth over K171,000 , in a bid to ensure that both pupils and staff have the essential tools they need to achieve their learning and teaching objectives .
Victoria Chileshe , Kagem ’ s Community Affairs Manager said : “ We are proud to partner with the Masasa Combined School once again . Our key message goes to the students , especially the girls , to use this new material we provided to work hard and achieve greater results . We will continue to support the school within our capabilities .”
Nestled in Lufwanyama ’ s Masasa community , Masasa Combined School plays a crucial role in providing education to the majority of children in the area . Recently upgraded from a primary school to also include a secondary school , it now caters for 475 pupils from various grades , giving young learners much needed hope for a brighter future and outlook on life .
The recent upgrade came through a partnership between Kagem and the Ministry of Education through the Lufwanyama District Education Board Secretary ’ s Office ( DEBS ). The school expansion , wholly funded by Kagem , included the addition of a block of three classrooms , two offices and a room for examination papers , as well as two teachers ’ residences with ablution blocks . The upgrade has allowed the Masasa Combined School to accommodate more pupils and staff – a testament to Kagem ’ s continued contribution to education in the district .
“ This has come at the right time , when the Government has introduced free education policy , which has led to an increase in enrolments in school . We salute Kagem Mining and the Government for this gesture ,” said the students representative .
The school headteacher , Mr David Chitaulo , representing the District Education Board Secretary added : “ My office is very much humbled with such gesture , as it will help alleviate the shortage of desks in school , but also gives a chance for students to learn in a good environment , which will motivate them to work harder .”
Previous educational projects undertaken by Kagem include the construction of Chapula Secondary School , the rehabilitation of Chapula and Kapila Primary Schools , and the construction of teachers ’ houses at various schools within Lufwanyama .
As part of its focus on supporting local education , Kagem also regularly donates teaching aids and learning materials including textbooks and other reading materials , in order to enhance the quality of education for pupils .
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