Zambia: The Paul Tembo Foundation donated 273 school shoes and assorted school items to Makwibi Primary School in Nalolo District. The donation valued at K87,253 was made in collaboration with Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO).
The member of Parliament from the Nalolo Constituency, Imanga Wamunyima also extended his support to the organization. Paul Tembo Junior presented the donation to the students on behalf of the foundation.
Talking to the beneficiaries, he said the donation aims to celebrate the spirit of generosity and compassion. Tembo highlighted that the foundation was established by his late father, Paul Simon Tembo.
The senior Paul Simon served as a deputy minister in the Movement for Multi-Party Development (MMD) regime. The son of the generous soul noted that the programme aims to serve the grassroots and alleviate the plight of the people.
He reiterated his father’s belief saying that the circumstances of where one is, do not determine one’s future. “He often said, never accept to be a failure in life,” Tembo said.
He said the foundation wants to support the efforts of the lawmakers and leaders working to provide students with free education and proper infrastructure. Tembo emphasised the importance of education, stating that it brings long-lasting solutions and innovations to address problems and improve various sectors.
“Education is the reason we are before you today, and not across the streets with pangas, perpetrating violence,” he stated.
He also noted that education gives birth to informed electorates.
Nalolo Member of Parliament, Imanga Wamunyima thanked the NGO for their generous donation to the school. At the same time, he also highlighted tthe power of the media in influencing development.
MP Wamunyima recalled that when he was elected as a Member of Parliament in 2021, there were no permanent classrooms and desks at Makwibi primary school. He visited the school and brought the issue to light, which was covered by the media.
The media attention then helped the school and the students get access to the facilties that they need to sustain a productive educational environment.
The media coverage of the schools’ issues went viral and caught the attention of well-wishers. The well wishers noted that the pupils also did not have shoes hence they decided to make this crucial donation.
The Member of Parliament thanked the foundation for their donation to maintain the standards of the education sector. He further encouraged parents to take advantage of the free education policy and ensure their children acquire education.