CHINGOLA, 10th February 2015, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) today awarded scholarships to pupils in government schools for their high achievements in the Grade 7 and 9 national examinations.

The students received scholarship certificates from Permanent Secretary for the Copperbelt Reverend Howard Sikwela. Speaking during the awards presentation ceremony in Chingola, Reverend Sikwela said: “This programme provides valuable support for the Government’s focus on provision of quality education to all Zambians.  I am encouraged that KCM is providing these scholarship for students who, in some cases, may not have been able to continue with their education without this assistance.”

Rev. Sikwela said the KCM policy was aligned with the government plans to foster public private partnerships to ensure broader development goals were achieved, particularly through youth empowerment.

Forty-one pupils received full sponsorships – from Grade 8 to 9 for those who passed with high grades in the Grade 7 national exams and Grade 10 to 12 for the Grade 9 high achievers. The pupils awarded are from government schools in Kitwe, Chingola, Chililabombwe and Shibuyunji.

The scholarships cover the full payment of schools fees and purchase of school uniforms and other requirements. They are part of the company’s support for high potential students and the development of future leaders in industry and government.

KCM, has in the last six years provided scholarships to 250 pupils in government schools under this programme.  The company also runs the Nchanga and Konkola Trust schools that cater for slightly over 2,100 pupils.

KCM General Manager Corporate Services Howard Chilundika said the company supports the education of young people as a part of its long term commitment to education in the Copperbelt.

“KCM has a 50-year vision for its operations in the Copperbelt, so we believe it is important to invest in the leaders of tomorrow,” Mr Chilundika said.

He added: “Youth Week is an ideal time to reflect upon the importance of our young people. Mining requires billions of dollars to be spent on facilities, equipment and machinery. However, in the end the success of those investments comes down to the skills of our people. I am sure that many of the leaders of our business are sitting in front of me today, and we are delighted to be able to assist them in the continuation of their education.”

 About KCM

KCM is Zambia’s largest integrated copper producer, with an entire production value chain comprising of open pit and underground mines, concentrators, a state-of-the-art smelter, a tailings leach plant and a refinery. We are the only mining company in the country that has operations in four locations, including Chingola, Chililabombwe, Nampundwe and Kitwe, playing a key role in the communities around these mining areas.