JACKSON MAPAPAYI Writes @SunZambian
Mushindamo district has a critical shortage of desks forcing pupils writing examinations to share a single desk.
Mushindamo District Education Board Secretary Moses Luanga said that the sad state of affairs has affected the smooth running of examinations.
Mr Luanga disclosed that currently, one desk is accommodating two pupils instead of one as per law due to the shortage.
“We have a serious shortage of furniture in almost all schools to an extent where by pupils sitting for the examinations are sharing instead one pupil per desk,” said Mr Luanga.
He said this when the Zambia Forestry and Forests Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) donated 40 desks to the Ministry of Education in Mushindamo district as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.
He thanked the corporation for the gesture saying it will lessen the burden in the district.
And company acting managing director Brian Mutale said the donation is part of the corporate social responsibility programmes to be implemented in the district.
Mr Mutale said the corporation appreciates the community in the district for providing land to set up a plantation hence ploughing back to the community.
Meanwhile, Mr Mutale has appealed to the district administration to help people appreciate the investment being done in the district.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on newly-appointed Mushindamo District Commissioner Andrew Kalangwa at his office, Mr Mutale said he is aware of some displacements that came along with the establishment of the plantations but that the corporation would appreciate if the district administration can support the project especially where conflicts arises.
He said the project is a long term investment which will take about 18 years for the trees to be harvested.
And Mr Kalangwa said the people in district appreciate the investment by ZAFFICO as it has provided employment to the local people.
“Apart from employment creation, the project has also spurred social and economic activities in the area as well as help in mitigating the effects of climate change,” said Mr Kalangwa.
