Airtel Zambia has continued making significant contributions to the education sector by working together to improve access to education for underprivileged children in Zambia. Their efforts have included providing educational materials, renovating school buildings, and offering scholarships to deserving students.
The latest contribution from Airtel, is the two classroom blocks that have been handed over to the Ministry of Education through the Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS) in Sinyendeende village in Monze District of Southern Province. These blocks will provide much-needed space for over 400 pupils in the area, enabling them to learn in a safe and conducive environment.
Refurbished at a cost of over K320,000, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Joel Kamoko on receiving the classroom blocks said his Ministry and Government at large were always excited about partnerships that yielded great results to benefit the education sector.
Kamoko speaking through the Director of Primary Education, Mr. Kezala Mwale who represented the Permanent Secretary, said that the handover event demonstrated how much Airtel and ZOCS cared for orphans and vulnerable children by improving infrastructure in community schools in different parts of our country.
“As your Ministry of Education, such initiatives excite us as they respond to what our 8th National Development Plan that regards education as a basic human right – key in development. not only does education empower people but it gives them the knowledge and skills to broaden their economic and social opportunities,” Kamoko said.
Airtel Managing Director, Hussam Baday who handed over the refurbished block said his company always believes in transforming the lives of the less privileged people in the various communities.
“While we believe that good quality education is the most important tool for social and economic development in Zambia, we also believe that the environment where learning is happening should be conducive and welcoming for the learners. This is why our commitment to partnering with the government and others is important so as we can work together to improve the educational standards in schools across the country, “ Baday said.
And ZOCS board Chairman Victor Koyi said his institution was proud to share that through the partnership with Airtel, they had either built classroom blocks from scratch or refurbished the existing infrastructure as what was being witnessed.
“Our mission remains that of brightening prospects of community school learners by empowering community schools, building partnerships, influencing policy, supporting learners and creating conducive learning environments,” Koyi added.
Some of the refurbishments done to the classroom blocks that host over 400 children include flooring, providing of windows and doors as well as plastering of all classrooms.
