Zambia: Telecommunication giant AIRTEL Zambia has taken responsibility for upgrading some school premises in the country. To realize this mandate, the organization has entered into a partnership with Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS).
The two organizations have handed over two renovated 1 by 2 classroom blocks and toilets at Sinyendeende Community School in Monze District. The new pieces of infrastructure will help ensure that the students can have a conducive learning environment
According to official reports, the new infrastructure was constructed at a cost of over K300,000. The donation from the two organizations has been well received by the school authorities, teachers, and headmasters.
The handover of the donations was hosted on Tuesday afternoon. Airtel Zambia Managing Director, Hussam Baday spoke on behalf of the company at the donation handover,
He said the company will continue partnering with the Government and other stakeholders in improving education standards in schools across the Country. Many schools in the country need support and donations to develop their infrastructures.
Baday thanked the Ministry of Education for being supportive on the project over the year. Further assuring that the Company will continue to transform lives in local communities.
Meanwhile, Monze District Commissioner, Mwanza Malambo, thanked the funders for the gesture, expressing certainty that the infrastructure will help the school that depended on makeshift classroom blocks to deliver lessons to pupils.
Malambo said the gesture has come at the right time when most schools are struggling with learning space following the introduction of free education.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Joe Kamoko, stated that such undertakings are exciting as they align with the 8th National Development Plan, which regards education as a basic human right.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Primary Education, Dr Kezala Mwale, Kamoko advised the community to guard the new infrastructure against vandalism.