On Friday 17th October, Lubambe Copper Mine Limited handed over a a fully equipped four-classroom block, a staff room, head teacher’s office, perimeter wall fence and ablution blocks to Miyanda Primary School which has a total population of 720 learners.
The handover ceremony was attended by Chililabombwe Member of Parliament and Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Mr. Paul Kabuswe, Chililabombwe District Commissioner, Mr. Kelly Jibinga, Chililabombwe Mayor, Mr. Lucky Sichone, and Joseph Mwilwa Ward Councillor, Mr. Abel Bwalya. They all praised Lubambe's generous gesture, acknowledging the Company's commitment to community development.
The construction of a classroom block is part of Lubambe's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program aimed at ensuring that schools have sufficient classroom space to accommodate the increased number of learners resulting from the introduction of free education. Mr. Paul Kabuswe unveiled the plaque during the handover of the newly constructed classroom block and expressed gratitude to Lubambe Copper Mine for supporting the Government's free education initiatives and noted that Lubambe had so far constructed and equipped 16 classrooms in Konkola and Kasumbalesa.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Lubambe Copper Mine Mr. Daniel Chihili reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting free education by undertaking various infrastructure development projects in the area of operation. He highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Mine to improve the learning environment at Konkola Combined, Miyanda, Golden Eagle and New Konkola schools. The 16 classrooms is equivalent to a big school.
Mr. Chihili expressed pride in the company's efforts to support the vision of the UPND administration and commended the government for providing good leadership. He emphasized the importance of education in today's world, stating that the world was made up of systems and that for one to be relevant to the several endeavours available, they needed to adapt to the education systems which provided opportunities for all.
Mr. Chihili assured the community that Lubambe's support was not limited to the current projects, but rather a continued partnership and called on the community to safeguard the premises.
Chililabombwe District Education Board Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth Ng’onga commended Lubambe for its continued support to the education sector in the district. Pupils in Miyanda Primary School were thrilled to have access to improved facilities, which would undoubtedly enhance their learning experience. Abraham Sinyenga, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Lubambe for the construction of school facilities. She said, “Thank you, Lubambe. With these new classrooms, we can now learn in a conducive environment with enough space and good hygiene and assure you of scoring high marks during the examinations.”
