Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kelvin Mambwe, has applauded First Quantum Minerals (FQM) for their continued investment in the education sector through the construction of schools and other community empowerment initiatives.
Dr. Mambwe said FQM’s efforts, including the construction of Kalumbila Secondary School, demonstrate the company’s strong commitment to supporting education in local communities.
Speaking after inspecting the ongoing works at Kalumbila Secondary School construction site, Dr. Mambwe expressed satisfaction with both the quality and speed of the project’s execution.
He noted that the school will greatly benefit the community, especially at a time when government is increasing access to education through initiatives such as free education and the school feeding programme.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated that education is an equaliser and urged the community to take advantage of the free education policy by ensuring that children are enrolled in school.
“We are happy that our partners saw the need to construct a secondary school for the people of Kalumbila District and we appreciate the effort,” Dr Mambwe said.
He further called on other stakeholders to emulate FQM’s commitment to investing in various sectors of the economy, including education.
“We need more partners to come on board to join hands and invest in the community,” he added.
First Quantum Minerals Trident Foundation Limited Superintendent Technical Support, Jeston Mutale, revealed that the school is being built at a total cost of K74 million.
Mr Mutale said FQM and the Educore Foundation will work with the Ministry of Education at provincial level to secure teachers, adding that the school will be managed by Educore through a board.
The first phase of the school, expected to be operational by January 2026, will accommodate 180 Grade 8 pupils.
Meanwhile, Educore Foundation Executive Head, Mthulisi Matshakaile, said the school will feature modern and durable infrastructure.
Dr. Matshakaile added that it will also include assembly halls, storage facilities, and teachers’ houses.
