Barclays donates K350, 000 to Chipapa School (Pictures)

LINDA SOKO TEMBO writes @SunZambian

BARCLAYS Bank Zambia Plc has donated K350, 000 towards the construction of a 1 x 3 classroom block at Chipapa Secondary School in Kafue District.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Friday, Barclays Bank Zambia (BBZ) Managing Director, Mizinga Melu, said the bank had decided to join the rest of the world in commemorating the late Nelson Mandela’s birthday through supporting the constructing of the classroom block.

The project is being implemented by World Vision Zambia (WVZ).

Ms. Melu said the bank was committed to adding value to the various communities it operated in hence the decision to partner with organizations like World Vision which shared a similar passion.

She assured that Barclays Bank Zambia would continue to invest in projects that touched on the lives of the vulnerable and marginalized people in society as part of its strategy to be a force for good.

“We are committed to playing a shaping role in society by bringing possibilities to life. As a bank, we invested over K15 million in the last two years in different programs that positively impacted the livelihood of our communities,” said Ms. Melu.

“These sponsorships and many others, demonstrate the importance that the Bank attaches to supporting the development of our people within the communities we operate,” she said.

Ms. Melu said the bank was committed to supporting the vulnerable in society by complementing Government and other stakeholders’ efforts to provide education in the nation.

And World Vision Zambia board chairperson, Osbert Sikazwe, said the construction of the classroom block at Chipapa Secondary School would help increase learning space for the learners, reduce overcrowding in classrooms and improve access to quality, equitable and inclusive education.

“It will accommodate the high demand for school places currently being experience at this school,” she said.

Dr. Sikazwe said World Vision’s strategic objective was to improve literacy among children by promoting the provision of quality and equality in education, through providing a conducive learning environment.

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Meanwhile, school headteachers, Coaster Havuluma, thanked Barclays Bank for collaborating with World Vision to increase the number of classroom space at Chipapa.

Mr. Havuluma called on other stakeholders to come on board and contribute towards improving the social facilities at the school.

He said that the pupils and staff at the school faced numerous challenges like lack of tap water, proper toilets, and suitable boarding facilities.