Work is well underway on a project to upgrade the Kapila Primary School in the Lufwanyama district of Zambia and to construct a new classroom block for the school, which will contain a solar computer lab and a dedicated pre-school classroom. With generous funding received from Assore International Holdings and the ongoing support of Kagem Mining Ltd, this ambitious venture is expected to be completed within six months of it starting in mid-September.
The Kapila Primary School is located just 12km from the Kagem emerald mine in Lufwanyama. Currently, Kapila Primary School has no computers, no internet and no power, with only very basic infrastructure. The new computer lab will be equipped with 35 internet-connected, solar-powered Raspberry Pi computers. It will occupy the new school block alongside a staff office and a classroom for pre-school pupils.
The cost of this new construction project, together with upgrading the school’s two existing classroom blocks, is expected to cost in the region of USD 315,000. Once complete, it will enable the school to enrol 40% more pupils and also recruit more teachers. At present, it educates about 380 children in just two blocks, each with three classrooms. The District Education Board are closely involved in the project, which furthers their agenda of making ICT skills a core subject for learners – in recognition of the growing importance of digital skills in today’s world.
