Kalumbila Mine in North-Western Province, First Quantum Minerals’ Trident Foundation has handed over newly-constructed infrastructure worth K440,000 to Jiundu Secondary School.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of the newly-constructed kitchen, dining hall, VIP toilets, fenced and freshly painted girls’ dormitory, acting North-Western Provincial Education Officer Boniface Kanema said the donation had added value and given learners an environment conducive to learning.

Kanema, who was the guest-of-honour during the event, however, appealed to the community to encourage girl-children to go to school, adding: “when you educate a girl, you educate a nation.”

Kalumbila Minerals Limited (KML) Public Relations Coordinator Mirriam Harmon said: “As a commitment and contribution to national development through corporate social responsibility, we will ensure that we complement government efforts in developing communities by working hand-in-hand with the area traditional and community leaders, as well as the district administration stakeholders alike.”

She appealed to the children to take education seriously.

“I want to take this opportunity to urge the students, especially the girls, to take education seriously and not fall prey to social vices. It was saddening to see only a few girls qualifying for our scholarship programme because the majority did not meet the entry criteria,” Harmon observed.

The mine assisted Kisaasa Secondary School by constructing a three-classroom block, VIP toilets and three teachers’ houses all fitted with solar system, among other schools in the area.

And Mubanga was moved to tears during the handover ceremony by Kalumbila Mineral–Trident Foundation to Jiundu Secondary School – SUMA SYSTEMS.