By MARTIN MUSUNKA –
FIRST Quantum Minerals (FQM) has embraced the new concept of learning methods in schools through the use of Zedupads which are pre-loaded with iSchool lessons for the entire Zambian curriculum.
FQM Kalumbila, through Trident Foundation has embarked on an ambitious programme of adding value to education in North-Western Province and procured the Zedupads for use by pupils and teachers in schools that have been picked for the iSchool pilot project being implemented in every classroom at four schools in Kalumbila District.
Trident Foundation community engagement officer, Alex Mapapayi said the mining company spent K426, 930.10 for the acquisition of Zedupads.
The move is the mining company’s desire to effectively equip teachers in the delivery of meaningful education to the learners.
He said FQM Kalumbila deliberately picked on four schools, namely Wanyima, Musele, Kalumbila North and Kankonzhi, for the iSchool pilot programme.
He expressed satisfaction at the positive feedback, the programme was receiving.
Mr Mapapayi said during the monitoring sessions that the mining company felt duty-bound to be part of a progressive exercise of making a difference to the local people through enhanced educational programmes.
He said, as a measure of maximum attention to the programme, FQM Kalumbila engaged a mentor, Elizabeth Ngenda whose objective is to monitor teachers and pupils to ensure that the programme was being implemented well.
Ms Ngenda said she was engaged to monitor the implementation process of Zedupads in every classroom of all the four schools that have been placed on a pilot project in Kalumbila area.
One of the teachers, Rabbecca Kateule said the Zedupads had simplified the method of teaching and pupils were finding it easier to learn.
The Zedupad, which has been approved by Government, is a seven-inch 800 by 480 dual-core capacitive touch-screen tablet which has a built-in camera and sound, Wifi-enabled with up to nine hours of battery life, pre-loaded with all learning materials in the Zambian curriculum. Story courtesy of SUMA SYSTEMS