•FIRST Quantum Minerals (FQM) has been adding value to timber removed from mining operations at Kalumbila Mine to make furniture for various use. Above, Trident Foundation community engagement officer Alex Mapapayi displays desks ready for dispatch to local schools. Picture by Martin Musunka/SUMA SYSTEMS

By MARTIN MUSUNKA –
FIRST Quantum Minerals (FQM), through its US$2 billion Kalumbila Mine in North Western Province, has targeted to distribute 1,000 desks to local schools by mid this year, in its quest to improve the quality of education in the region.
The mining company, through the Trident Foundation, has so far distributed a total of 622 desks valued at K730,000, according to community engagement officer, Alex Mapapayi.
The desks are constructed by Trident Foundation’s furniture factory after adding value to locally sourced timber which is removed from mining operations.
“We have been distributing desks to local schools since June 2015 and this programme has been well received by beneficiary communities as well as other stakeholders. Our target is to distribute the first 1,000 desks before mid-year,” Mr Mapapayi said.
He said local schools had a strain on furniture because of high enrolment numbers due to increased population in the area arising from mining activities.
Mr Mapapayi said the mine had weighed in to help provide furniture as a way of contributing to improved quality education and would ensure that all local schools were supplied with desks.
Schools to benefit are Musele, Kalumbila North, Wanyima, Kankozhi, Jiundu, Musangezhi, Musanda, Kachiwezhi primary schools, Kisasa basic school, Jiundu secondary school and Nkisu and Mbole community schools.
Out of the 622 desks which have so far been distributed, Kalumbila North Primary School, is among the recipients and received 26 which the head-teacher Stanley Katoba said had helped ease the furniture pressure in classrooms.
At Musele Primary School, head-teacher Justin Chibiya said the donation of 130 desks was motivating to pupils and described the gesture as a contributing factor to increased attendance levels.
Mr Mapapayi said, apart from school desks, Kalumbila Mine made a huge corporate social contribution of erecting a one by three classroom block and three teachers’ houses.
Kankozhi primary school deputy head-teacher, Daniel Kapikila said his school was collaborating well with Kalumbila Mine as evidenced by the donation of 150 desks which had helped reduce tension in classrooms. —Story courtesy of SUMA SYSTEMS