Konkola Copper Mines Plc and HELSB Zambia Launch USD100,000 Annual Scholastic Partnership – Konkola Copper Mines Plc and Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board Launch USD100,000 Annual Scholastic Partnership to Support Underprivileged Zambian Students.
Lusaka, Zambia – 21th January, 2025 – Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc and the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) are pleased to announce a transformative partnership to offer US$100,000 annually in scholarships to underprivileged Zambian students.
This landmark initiative, known as the KCM-HELSB Scholastic Excellence Programme, seeks to enhance access to higher education for deserving individuals, empowering the next generation of Zambian leaders and professionals. The collaboration also marks a significant step in addressing the financial barriers that many students face in pursuing higher education.
The programme will provide financial assistance to deserving students from KCM’s areas of operation namely Chingola, Chililabombwe, Kitwe, and Nampundwe, with a focus on fields critical to Zambia’s growth, such as mining, geology, ICT, and environmental studies.
Key features of the partnership include:
Establishment of the KCM-HELSB Fund: KCM has committed USD 100,000 annually to support meritorious but underprivileged students, with funds managed transparently by HELSB.
Revolving Fund Model: The scholarships will be given in form of a loan that beneficiaries will payback through established mechanisms after completion of the programme.
Merit-Based Selection: HELSB will oversee the transparent selection and administration process to ensure the most deserving students benefit.
HELSB Chief Executive Officer Dr John Machayi emphasized the significance of the collaboration. “This partnership is a transformative milestone in our efforts to make higher education accessible to all deserving Zambians, particularly in underserved areas. It is a demonstration of how public-private cooperation can drive sustainable development.”KCM Chief Operating Officer, Malcolm Mewett highlighted the company’s commitment to education. “KCM recognizes the value of education in building resilient communities and driving national development. We have invested heavily in education since 2004 and it is in fact one of the pillars of our robust Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
Collaborating with HELSB not only reflects determination to inspire confidence and run this programme in the most transparent way, but also shows our dedication to ensuring that young people are empowered with the much-needed skills that align with Zambia’s industrial and socio-economic priorities.”
The KCM-HELSB Scholastic Excellence Programme sets a precedent for innovative partnerships that address the pressing need for skilled professionals in Zambia while offering life-changing opportunities to students.
For further details, please contact:
Victoria Kabwe Zimba
PR Manager and Communications Konkola Copper Mines PLC (KCM) Stand No. 1408/M
Fern Avenue, Chingola, ZambiaEmail: [email protected] Mobile No. 0977651093
Chiselwa Kawanda
Manager Corporate Communications and Customer Services Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB)
2nd Floor, United Church House
8 Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Woodlands Lusaka, Zambia
Email: [email protected]