Category Community Development

A Brighter Tomorrow: Grizzly Mining’s Investment in Education

in Community Development / CSR / Impact by CSRNZ Media March 27, 2024 0 comments

Amidst a vibrant atmosphere filled with cultural performances and heartfelt expressions of gratitude, Lumpuma Day Secondary School in Chief Lumpuma’s chiefdom, Lufwanyama district, stood as a beacon of hope and promise on the 25th of March 2024. This colorful occasion marked the official handover of a newly constructed secondary school by Grizzly Mining Limited, a momentous event witnessed by esteemed guests, community leaders, educators, parents and eager learners.

Grizzly Mining’s unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) was exemplified through the construction of this educational infrastructure, comprising a fully furnished 1-by-4 classroom block, modern computer facilities, an ablution block, and provision of clean drinking water through a solar-powered borehole feeding into the school water reticulation system. Through its CSR initiatives, the company has been helping build classroom blocks in other schools within Lufwanyama, in the hope of increasing learning space and improving the quality of education. Of note also is the aspect of children that cover long distances of between 5 to 10 Km to get to the nearest school.

During the opening stages of the handover ceremony, a poignant moment unfolded as a group of learners from the school stepped forward to share a heartfelt poem titled “For us to learn…” Their words resonated deeply with the audience, articulating the fundamental necessities they require for a conducive learning environment. “For us to learn, we need classrooms, desks, safe drinking water, we need toilets…” they recited. Their poignant verses underscored the transformative power of education and highlighted the aspirations of the youth to realize their full potential. As learners from nearby schools also showcased their talents through cultural dances and songs, the air was filled with optimism and the promise of a brighter future.

A representative from the office of the Area Member of Parliament commended Grizzly Mining for the work done, emphasizing the importance of school infrastructure in motivating learners, increasing enrollments and contributing to the provision of quality education. He assured the gathering that the MP is fully committed to seeing more of such developments in Lufwanyama, as a way of driving educational progress.

“The school represents more than just bricks and mortar; it symbolizes opportunity, empowerment and the promise of a brighter future,” stated Lee Muzala, Executive Director of CSR Network Zambia, emphasizing the profound impact of investing in education. “As we celebrate this milestone today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to supporting initiatives that drive positive change and contribute towards sustainable development.”

Government representatives echoed this sentiment, highlighting the vital role of education in shaping the nation’s future and commending Grizzly Mining for its partnership in providing essential infrastructure. With increased learning space, there is optimism that Lumpuma Day Secondary School will nurture future leaders and contribute to the nation’s development.

Grizzly Mining reiterated its dedication to the community’s well-being, pledging to continue supporting educational initiatives and infrastructure development. Mr. Davy Phiri, the Group CSR Manager, reiterated, “Today, as we officially hand over this secondary school, let it be known that our commitment does not end here.” He outlined plans for future projects aimed at improving access to education and enhancing the quality of life for community members. The Lumpuma Day Secondary School project value is K6,500,000, underscoring Grizzly Mining’s substantial investment in the betterment of Chief Lumpuma’s chiefdom and beyond.

Acknowledging the collaborative effort between Grizzly Mining and the local community, the Guest of Honor, Mr. Justin Mwalikwa, emphasized the importance of partnerships in national development and pledged government support for similar initiatives. “Partnership is very key in national development, and thus we will continue to reinforce it in order to build a Zambia where education will thrive for improved living standards of our people,” stated the Guest of Honor.

Representing the Provincial Education Standards Officer (PESO), Mr. Nyambe Sefulo shared hopes that Lumpuma Day Secondary School would contribute to the emergence of future leaders. “With increased learning space, I hope that Lumpuma School will be one of those that will contribute to the emergence of another Levy Mwanawasa, another Lesley Mbula and many other sons and daughters of the Lamba-land that rose to national prominence in the past,” he remarked.

The Council Vice Chairperson of Lufwanyama District Council, Mr. Gilbert Mukobola commended Grizzly Mining for its unwavering commitment to social responsibility and emphasized the role of education in mitigating social ills such as early marriages and alcohol abuse among youths. “Investment in education is pivotal in shaping the future of our community,” remarked the Vice Chairperson.

As the ceremony drew to a close, His Royal Highness Chief Lumpuma reflected on the significance of the occasion, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts that made the school’s construction possible. In his closing remarks, he urged the community to safeguard the infrastructure for future generations. “The ball has now been passed on to all those responsible, including the Lumpuma community, to ensure that the infrastructure is looked after well,” Chief Lumpuma emphasized. He further emphasized the importance of education in shaping the future of the chiefdom and warned against early marriages and encouraged parents to send the girl-child to school, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring access to quality education for all.

The handover of Lumpuma Day Secondary School represents more than just the inauguration of a new building; it embodies the collective aspirations and resilience of a community determined to break the cycle of poverty and transform its future through education. As the doors of opportunity swing open for the youth of Lumpuma, the path to a brighter tomorrow beckons, illuminated by the promise of knowledge, empowerment and social progress.

MABIZA ECO FUN DAY

in Community Development / Impact / News by CSRNZ Media September 30, 2023October 2, 2023 0 comments

Mabiza Resources Limited’s first Eco Fun Day, hosted and facilitated jointly by the mining company, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Network Zambia and Kumalundu Trails, was held on 19th February 2023 at the Hippo View Waterfront along the banks of Kafue River in Kafue. The day was preceded by an Environmental Awareness campaign the day before, whose aim was to raise awareness on the effects of deforestation and mobilizing community members to build commitment towards caring for the environment and forests.

In his opening remarks, the CSRNZ Executive Director recognized the presence of the Council Chairperson Chikankata District, Mr. Conrad Ngoma and his team, the General Manager of Mabiza Resources Ltd, Mr. Michael Musonda accompanied by the wife, the organizing team from Mabiza Resources, Mr. Lloyd Moomba and his team, the representative from Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Mr. Frank Gwaba, and other representatives from exhibiting companies like Buffalo Bicycles, Green Fire, Green Belt Energy and Solidaridad, whose products/services can be adopted to protect, preserve and enrich our environment.

CSR Network Zambia Executive Director giving his remarks

He reminded the gathering that our environment is the most precious gift that God has given us. How we sustain it, is the key to the development of the future of mankind. It is the duty and responsibility of each one of us to protect, conserve and grow nature. The degradation of our environment is linked with the development process and the ignorance of people about retaining the ecological balance. He emphasized the importance of environmental education which increases public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues or problems, which in turn provides the public with the necessary skills to make informed decisions and take responsible actions.
In closing his remarks, Mr. Muzala thanked all for attending the event and took the opportunity to invite Mr. Musonda to give his remarks on behalf of the mine.

Mr. Michael Musonda, General manager, Mabiza Resources giving opening remarks

Mr. Musonda stressed the importance of the mine in tackling the effects of climate change for the sake of future generations. He acknowledged that Munali Nickel Mine was the second largest mine in the region if not the biggest, and by this the mine felt obliged to engage with outlying communities on how best to fight the climate change effects and empower communities in livelihoods and smart agricultural practices. He expressed gratitude towards the commitment shown by community members in Chikani area, who exhibited willingness to work with the mine to combat defeorestation in the area and engage in sustainable charcoal production. He disclosed that the mine has committed to planting ten-thousand trees. He further extended an open invitation to Chikankata District Council to seek an audience with the mine and explore areas of collaboration. He also thanked the various partners who supported the event financially – Lwenshi Limited, Alpha Tech, Siame Transport, Butlas Security, Juflona,Redpath, Fleetrec, Netweb, Ansultech Fire Systems and Ashaz Printing among others.

Chikankata Council Chairperson, Mr. Conrad Ngoma, in his keynote speech, called for concerted effort in addressing the causes of climate change and environmental degradation in the district and the country at large.
Mr. Ngoma stressed that in a world where environmental degradation is a growing concern, it has become more critical than ever to understand the importance of environmental awareness and the role that each individual can play to mitigate the effects.

He was speaking when he officially opened the Mabiza Eco Fun Day, a day that was preceded by an Environmental Awareness campaign the day before, whose aim was to raise awareness on the effects of deforestation and mobilizing community members to build commitment towards caring for the environment and forests.

The awareness campaign was also facilitated by CSR Network Zambia (CSRNZ) on behalf of Mabiza Resources Limited (Munali Nickel Mine) targeting communities along the Mazabuka road and outlying areas like Chikani that are said to have become hotspots for charcoal production.

The Council Chairperson has since commended Mabiza Resources for supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecology sustainability and foster harmony between communities and the environment.

Virtual Demo – Exciting New STEM Learning Platform

in Community Development / Featured / Impact by CSRNZ Media May 31, 2021 0 comments

We are delighted to announce a unique upcoming live event hosted by Open Energy Labs, on 2^nd June 2021 at 09:00 Hours. Open Energy Labs is a successful Zambian-based start-up which provides STEM education to improve access to electricity. To register for this exclusive event, click here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cGDEJatATFmAO-Vj8zgzkQ

During this event, you will see a live demonstration of a new mobile application and connected hardware, which can provide both education and power to rural communities.

In addition, you will hear from:

Director of Dept. of Energy – Ministry of Energy
Director of Technology and Innovation – Ministry of Higher Education
Director of Communications – Power for All

Topics to be covered include:

Empowering communities through education and energy
Engaging women and girls in STEM
Reaching a global audience by engaging with exciting projects

Attached is a brief overview of Open Energy Labs’ work to date.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with them by emailing samson@openenergylabs.co

Women in CSR – Nsanshi Art, Creating Shared Value through Art.

in Community Development / CSR / Impact / Women's Month by CSRNZ Media April 2, 2021April 2, 2021 0 comments

The need for a viable and sustainable women’s empowerment project inspired the establishment of Nsanshi Art Studio in Solwezi, North-Western Province.

The women-run workshop is adding value to local minerals, promoting employment and raising living standards for vulnerable women and girls in the community.

Riding on the rich history of mining in the province, First Quantum Mineral’s community wing, the Kansanshi Foundation, set up a jewelry factory that seeks to empower local women while adding value to the copper that the mining firm produces.

This community-based programme is adequately tailored to provide employment, skills training, and improving value chains in the province.

“Nsanshi Art Studio provides employment to these young women during a two-year apprenticeship, while raising funds for vulnerable women and girls in the community, via sales of the products made in the workshop, and adding value to local minerals,” said Kansanshi Foundation Manager Bruce Lewis.

Over the years, there has been an appeal from various stakeholders for value-addition in Zambia’s mining industry. In the main, Zambian copper is exported in raw form.

It is encouraging that Nsanshi Art Studio is changing this narrative. All the copper used in the workshop comes from Kansanshi Mine’s plant. The team get it as off-cuts and odd pieces.

“We put these in the furnace and convert them into copper bars. From there, we work the bars into flat or round pieces, or wire, depending on what we are making. We design the piece, decide what material is needed, and then work it through the roller,” explains Michele Scholtz, who has been spearheading the training.

Currently, there are 10 women undergoing a two-year course in metal smithing. These ladies, all from Solwezi, are supported by the mine with student wages.

Six of the girls were selected by his royal highness Chief Kapijimpanga while the other four (4) came from the vulnerable.

The training started with making spoons with a view to teaching them the basics of sawing, doming and soldering. They then moved onto making rings of various forms.

“They have since advanced to making bracelets and other items. Currently, they are being taught how to make various settings to incorporate into jewelry pieces,” Scholtz elaborated.

“We hope they can acquire a skill to support themselves and be self-reliant in the future without having to rely on a husband,” she added.

The money generated from jewelry sales goes to the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) for the running of the One Stop Centre for Gender-Based Violence at Solwezi General Hospital and the Safe House that have been built by the mine. These facilities provide support to girl child marriage and abused women victims.

Funding channelled into the project is as follows: building – $75 021; tools – $22 928; laser engraver – $62 771.

The state-of-the-art laser engraving machine has the capacity to engrave a photograph on to any metal. The beauty about this empowerment programme is that it will continue to generate funds even after the mine has closed.

Success stories include the export of 30 sets of ear rings to Panama. The students also took part in a design competition from Association of Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA) and one of them was selected as part of the top 10 designs, a great achievement for the project.

Nsanshi Art Studio is indeed creating a range of unique and inspired copper items that are certain to gain a huge market in Zambia and beyond.

CSRNZ Celebrates Women

in Community Development / CSR / Featured / Impact by CSRNZ Media March 8, 2021 0 comments

The Corporate Social Responsibility Network Zambia (CSRNZ) is this month showcasing women who have played pivotal roles on the country’s CSR platform, in line with the International Women’s Month.

These are women who have exhibited exemplary commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate social investment (CSI) ideals and programmes for the improvements of livelihoods, thus contributing to sustainable development in communities. In today’s day and age, women have become unstoppable and excelling in every field possible.

Welcome to our series of interviews with Zambia’s leading female CSR practitioners, revolving around the evolvement of CSR/CSI in respective companies and the accomplishments arising thereof. Over the next 2-3 weeks, We will learn about what inspires these women and how they found their way to careers in CSR:

Lomthunzi Mbewe – Community and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Lubambe Copper Mine Limited.
Mweembe Sikaulu – Communications and Brand Manager, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited.
Yuyo Nachali Kambikambi – Head of Corporate Communications, Government Relations and CSR, Airtel Zambia.
Bridget Kambobe – Group PR and Corporate Affairs Manager, Trade Kings.
Chanda Chime-Katongo – Public Relations, Communication and Women’s Banking / Marketing, Stanbic Bank Zambia.
Wezi Njovu – Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, UBA Zambia.
Katongo Chilufya – Public Relations, Communications and Corporate Social Investment Manager, Atlas Mara Bank.
Sonile Lintini – Communications and Sustainability Manager, IHS Towers Limited.
Sarah Banda Ortiz – Corporte Affiars and Communications Manager, Lafarge Zambia Plc.
Nsanshi Art Women – Kansanshi Mine’s women-run jewellery workshop, with a mission to support and provide financial support to vulnerable women and girls in Solwezi district.

Zambia’s Largest Independent Power Producer Transforming Face Of Maamba

in Community Development / CSR by CSRNZ Media February 19, 2020 0 comments

Contributing around 10% of the nation’s electricity generation capacity has a huge impact on the nation’s energy security and the economy in general, but for Maamba Collieries Limited (MCL), its endeavours do not stop there.

The sponsors and management of MCL understand that no business can be successful, unless the community around it shares in that success. Towards this vision, the company has set up the Maamba Development Trust (MDT), whose motto is, “Making a Difference…”

The objective is to spearhead social and economic development in Maamba, Sinazongwe District, and in other areas where Maamba Collieries operates. MCL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are part of the company’s social investment policy, centered on community development and improving the living conditions of the people. The initiative is built on four pillars – education, health, infrastructure development and sports, apart from conserving the environment as well as assisting with other needs of the community.

On the education front, MCL runs the Maamba Private School with over 500 local students and a Nursery for around 160 toddlers, while also providing regular support to the GRZ-run school for differently abled children.

Towards improving health facilities, MCL partnering with the Ministry of Health, is setting up a state of the art eye care unit in Maamba General Hospital to provide eye care to the needy in the district and beyond. MCL is also in the final stages of building a clinic near Lake Kariba which will provide access to medical facilities for around 10 remote villages and fishing camps.

The cornerstone of MCL’s CSR interventions has been laying new roads in the Maamba Township – roads which had not seen any work for over four decades – thereby providing dust free and safe roads to travel.

On the sports and fitness front, the company sponsors the First Division Maamba Energy Stars F.C., and provides access to the sporting facilities including golf, tennis, squash and badminton to the local community of Maamba Township.

Meanwhile, the Company has been contributing to the development of the youth and less privileged by running TEVETA approved welding & metal fabrication & power electric courses in its modern, well-equipped Training Centre. Towards sustaining the livelihood needs of the people, the Company runs tailoring and carpentry classes for local women and menfolk, skills which they can use for supplementing their meagre income.

“In order for us to mitigate the impact of mining and thermal power generation operations, environmental conservation remains a key focus area. We endeavor to plant over 30,000 trees every year and continuously undertake rehabilitation of waste dumps in order for us to preserve our environment,” said Head Corporate Affairs PJ Sudhir.

Meanwhile, MDT Manager, Mr. Jethro Sikalunda highlights that, “MCL also provides much needed access to water for the people of Sinazongwe, by pumping water through a 28-km pipeline from Lake Kariba to SWASCO – to meet the community needs for potable water”.

He added that, “The company also provides support to the three chiefs in its area of operations”.

With the support of all stakeholders, MCL has been transforming the face of Maamba, bringing much-needed social and economic empowerment, and essentially, MAKING A DIFFERENCE by improving the lives of the community in Maamba and the district of Sinazongwe.

By Chris Phiri
Zambia Reports, 14 Feb 2020.