Government applauds Kansanshi–education partnership
EDUCATIONBy Lusaka Times — Lusaka Times
SOLWEZI – The Zambian government, through the Ministry of Education, has publicly commended Kansanshi Mining PLC for its steadfast and consistent partnership in significantly improving the education sector within the province. This commendation was delivered during the recent launch of a national educational initiative, underscoring the critical role that corporate social responsibility and private sector engagement play in national development, particularly in key social sectors. Kansanshi Mining PLC, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals, operates one of Africa's largest copper mines in Solwezi, North-Western Province. Over the years, the company has invested substantially in community development programmes, with education being a primary focus. These investments have often included the construction and rehabilitation of school infrastructure, provision of learning materials, scholarships for deserving students, and teacher training programmes. Such interventions are crucial in a country like Zambia, where educational facilities in rural and peri-urban areas often face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of qualified teachers, and limited access to modern learning resources. Speaking at the event, a representative from the Ministry of Education expressed profound gratitude for Kansanshi's enduring commitment, noting that their contributions have directly impacted thousands of students and educators. "Kansanshi Mining PLC has not just been a mining entity; they have been a true partner in nation-building, particularly in empowering our future generations through quality education," the official stated. "Their consistent efforts align perfectly with the government's vision of ensuring accessible and equitable education for all Zambian children, irrespective of their geographical location or socio-economic background." The partnership between the government and Kansanshi serves as a salient example of how public-private collabor