By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) have officially awarded 64 recipients of the KCM-HELSB Scholastic Excellence Programme scholarships.
KCM has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education in Zambia with a significant investment of $100,000 in tuition and other student allowances to students, mostly accommodated at the Copperbelt University.
KCM Chief Operations Officer Malcolm Mewett stated that this initiative is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts. “We are committed to supporting education in our community,” he said.
Mr Mewett highlighted KCM’s establishment of early childhood development centers, provision of computers and IT infrastructure to schools, and investment in infrastructure development in all schools.
He emphasized that the scholarship program is just one example of KCM’s commitment to education.
“We believe that by investing in the next generation of leaders, we are investing in the future of our community,” he said. KCM has also contributed $350,000 for the refurbishment of the Copperbelt University library, demonstrating its commitment to improving educational infrastructure and supporting the education sector in Zambia.
Mr Mewett encouraged the scholarship recipients, saying, “As you pursue your studies, remember that you are part of a proud tradition of excellence. You have the power to shape the future of our community, and we are honored to be a part of your journey.”
Ministry of Higher Education Permanent Secretary Dr. Wisdom Bwalya welcomed KCM’s contribution to the education sector, noting that it complements the government’s initiatives, such as the free education policy and structured skills development programs.
“We are delighted to have KCM on board, supporting our efforts to provide quality education to our young people,” he said.
Dr. Bwalya emphasized that KCM’s investment in education is expected to have a lasting impact on the sector, providing students with access to quality educational resources and opportunities.
Acting Vice Chancellor for Copperbelt University Prof. Josephat Kalezhi expressed gratitude to KCM for their remarkable commitment to education, exemplified by their generous scholarship program.
The program will sponsor students across various institutions in the Copperbelt, notably 56 students from the Copperbelt University.
Prof. Kalezhi said that this scholarship program serves as a beacon of hope for those who may have felt forgotten.
“By investing in education, KCM is making a powerful statement that every child, regardless of their background, deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed,” he said.
HELSB Representative Dr. Floyd Ndabulula acknowledged the remarkable partnership between KCM and HELSB, which made this initiative possible.
He said that KCM has generously committed $100,000 annually to support deserving students.
Dr. Ndabulula emphasized that the scholarships focus on critical fields pivotal to Zambia’s growth, including mining, geology, ICT, and environmental studies. “It was clear that KCM’s investment in these students would have a lasting impact, not just on their individual futures but on the nation as a whole,” he said.
