By Clinton Masumba, Solwezi
Kansanshi Mining Plc spent more than K1 million on procuring 800 desks and refurbishing 600 others for 10 schools in Solwezi in 2024. The K1.2 million support also included the provision of early childhood furniture (tables and chairs) to schools in Solwezi.
The mining company has undertaken an inclusive approach to educational development, working collaboratively with Government, local officials, and schools.
Kansanshi Mining Plc Head of Education Dr Sylvia Mwanza-Kabaghe says the company’s commitment to delivering quality education resonated with President Hakainde Hichilema’s pronouncement that no child should sit on the floor while attending lessons.
“Currently, Kansanshi Mining supports 34 schools in Solwezi District, providing various resources tailored to the pressing needs of each school. A particular focus has been on the provision of furniture, a necessity highlighted during a baseline study conducted in 2012 by the mining company. The study revealed that many pupils were sitting on the floor, which has detrimental effects on both motivation and health.”
She says the company embarked on a two-pronged approach to supply essential furniture to combat the issues. “We refurbish broken furniture and also procure brand new desks, along with early childhood education tables and chairs.”
This year, the company delivered over 800 desks to schools throughout the district, all distributed based on an assessed need. “We go around the 34 schools and see where the need is huge and those are the ones that we prioritize. It’s important to us because it resonates with what Government is trying to do.”
The impact of this initiative has been tangible. For instance, schools like Muyoya Primary School, which previously struggled with an insufficient number of desks, experienced notable improvements this year.
“We received very positive feedback from them; they indicated that they didn’t face any desk-related issues during the Grade Seven exams as they had in the past,” she says, emphasizing the real benefits of the company’s interventions.
Dr Mwanza-Kabaghe observes the communication and coordination between Kansanshi Mining and the Ministry of Education, stating that strategic meetings are held at the beginning of the year to gain insights into various schools’ challenges.
Given the rolling out of Government funding through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the collaboration ensures no overlap occurs in targeting resources for the same schools. “We consult their office to find out if they have any plans for distributing desks or refurbishing existing furniture,” she explains.
And Solwezi District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Jonathan Kayuka, has praised Kansanshi Mining for being an all-weather friend to the Ministry of Education in the District, providing school infrastructure and improving sanitation in schools.
