Kansanshi Mine Donates K1.95M School Upgrade to Mushitala Primary
Mushitala Primary School in Solwezi has received a significant upgrade following the handover of new educational infrastructure valued at K1.95 million from Kansanshi Mining PLC, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals (FQM), to the Ministry of Education.
The donation includes a 1×3 classroom block, a head teacher’s office, a secure strong room, 90 new desks, and completed exterior painting—enhancements that will increase the school’s capacity and provide a more conducive learning environment for local learners.
North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckon Mulumbi, who officiated the handover ceremony, praised FQM’s support towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education. He highlighted the significance of such public-private partnerships in transforming educational access and outcomes in the province.
“Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a structure but also the promise of a brighter future for the learners of Mushitala School,” Mr. Mulumbi stated. He urged the school community to take full ownership of the facilities and protect them from vandalism, stressing that education is a shared responsibility between government, the private sector, and the local community.
Representing Kansanshi Mining PLC, Corporate Affairs Superintendent Ryan Ellis reiterated the company’s ongoing commitment to education through the Kansanshi Education Quality Improvement Programme (KanEQuIP).
“For years, we’ve invested in educational resources, teacher development, early childhood education, and more. Mushitala is one of our closest community partners, and we are proud to support the future leaders who will shape this region,” said Ellis, reading on behalf of Kansanshi Mining Assistant General Manager Axel Köttgen.
The expansion of the S3 mine project, which has extended the lifespan of Kansanshi Mine by 20 years, is expected to open up future employment opportunities for current pupils.
Solwezi District Education Standards Officer Felix Luputa also welcomed the development, citing the urgent need for more infrastructure in response to increasing learner enrollments in the district.
Grade Seven pupil Faith Chella, speaking on behalf of the student body, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kansanshi Mining. “Your commitment to our education has shaped our future. This classroom block will create more space and a better learning environment for every Mushitala child,” she said.
The new infrastructure adds to Kansanshi’s previous contributions to the school, including a borehole, ablution block, play park, GCE exam centre, a 1×5 classroom block, teacher training, and the school feeding programme.
FQM continues to invest in education across North-Western Province through KanEQuIP, Early Childhood Education support, and skills development at institutions like Solwezi Trades Training Institute.
