ERG Africa – part of Eurasian Resources Group, a leading diversified natural resources group – has handed over a newly constructed school complex to its beneficiary community in Lenge, Lualaba Province, near its Comide concession. The handover marked the start of the new school year for the community’s 240 pre-primary and primary school children.
“Our community social investment strategy prioritises projects that contribute to the long-term socio-economic development and well-being of the communities alongside which we operate. The new Lenge school complex provides learners with a stable and well-equipped environment to facilitate formalised teaching and structured learning, and in turn, will provide improved opportunities for learners in the long run,” says Sergei Verbitckii, Acting CEO of ERG Africa.
Previously, the children of Lenge were taught in a temporary clay structure, which collapsed under heavy rainfall. In response, Maman [‘Mom’] Rose (Rose Mbeya), a teacher and treasured member of the community, erected and proceeded to teach learners in a tented classroom set up before the commencement of the construction of the permanent school complex.
The new E.P. Lenge (École Primaire Lenge [Primary School Lenge]) complex comprises four classrooms, an administration building, an ablution block and a dedicated water source (solar[1]powered borehole) to serve its pupils. The classrooms are also furnished with 80 school desks, with each desk large enough to accommodate three learners. The 240 primary school pupils will start their new school year under the care of four teachers (including Maman [‘Mom’] Rose) and equipped with learning materials outlined in the national curriculum.
The handover ceremony, which took place at the beginning of October, was a festive occasion attended by the Provincial Minister of Education, Health and Parliament Relations, His Excellency Jules Kabuit Ngoie; the Deputy Provincial Minister of Education, Mr Didier Kambwandj Kamb; the Provincial Inspector of Education, Mr Emmanuel Munya Barezi; the Chief of Sector, Mr Ilunga Ngoie Mwine wa Kabinda; the Chief of Subdivision of Education at Mutshatsha, Mr Gilbert Konabwingi Mumba; Lenge Chief of Village, Mr Olivier Kanyenze; Corporate Social Responsibility relations lead – ERG Africa, Mr Patrick Munga; Lenge school construction project lead – ERG Africa, Mr Damian Malilo; and other local dignitaries.
