Dangote Donates, Keeps the Promise
Dangote Cement Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vipul Agrawal gestures as Masaiti District Commissioner (DC) Ennie Matutu and Masaiti Council Chairperson Andrew Lumano cut a ribbon at Lupiya Combined School pix by Modern Priest Tuesday 15th February 2022
By Derrick Sinjela and Joseph Chanda in Masaiti.
DANGOTE Cement Zambia Limited has constructed a laboratory and two classroom blocks at Lupiya Combined School in Senior Chief Chiwala’s area.
Handing over the Laboratory and classrooms block to the school, Dangote Cement Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vipul Agrawal said that the laboratory and classroom blocks which were constructed at a cost of K400,000 was testimony of the commitment of the firm to community needs.
The infrastructure was handed over at a colourful handover ceremony recently as part of Dangote Cement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme in which K3 Million has been disbursed so far.
Masaiti District Commissioner (DC) Ennie Matutu who graced the occasion amongst other government officials jointly handed over the new structures with Mr. Argawal to school head mistress Musonda Mellony. Also in attendance was Masaiti Council Chairperson Andrew Lumano.
Chief Executive and Country manager Vipul Agrawal at Lupiya Combined School pix by Modern Priest Tue 15 Feb 2022
Mr. Agrawal said he believed that education and appropriate skill acquisition by individuals and community members was the surest way to eradicate poverty in Zambia.
“This one by two laboratory built at a cost of about K343,314 and the one by two classroom block which cost K100,000.00 is part of our commitment as Dangote Cement Zambia Limited,” he said.
Mr. Agrawal revealed that over the years, it had become increasingly challenging for pupils to undertake science practicals due to lack of laboratory facilities forcing the school seek the expensive services of a mobile lab.
He said that the commissioning of the science laboratory would go a long way in assisting students in preparing for science and technology exams.
Mr. Agrawal said in order to understand the concept of science, it was imperative for schools to look beyond books and conventional classroom teaching, as effective learning of science involved the observation and handling of objects and materials mentioned in academic literature.
And Ms. Matutu said the donation would go a long way in seeing that pupils accessed modern learning facilities.
She said that she was elated that pupils would benefit from the laboratory and that the school would produce graduates who would in turn work for Dangote Cement in future.
Lupiya Combined School Mary Chapota a grade12 pupil thanked Dangote Cement and government as Masaiti District Commissioner (DC) Ennie Matutu (left) and Chief Executive and Country manager Vipul Agrawa listen – pix by Modern Priest Tuesday, 15 February, 2022
In a vote of thanks, Mary Chapota a grade12 pupil thanked Dangote Cement and government for the gesture.
She urged on other companies operating in the area to emulate Dangote Cement in supporting the local communities in attaining excellence in their quest for education.
Amongst other community development projects being undertaken by Dangote Cement are the building of a Police Post, a skills training centre, the road infrastructure to chief Chiwala’s palace and a water recirculation plant which will cater for several villages.
