Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a
business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has announced its collaboration with First Quantum Minerals Limited (FQML) to
provide high-speed connectivity to schools in the town of Solwezi. Through this
partnership, Liquid Zambia is digitally empowering both students and educators
alike and improving learning outcomes.
Mark
Townsend, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia, says: “Our partnership with FQML represents a
significant stride in addressing educational challenges in remote areas. By
providing broadband connectivity to schools in the region, we are not just
bridging a digital gap; we are empowering communities and paving the way for a
brighter future. This collaboration underscores the constructive interaction
between Zambia’s public and private sectors to ensure quality education reaches
every corner of Africa.”
The following
schools in Solwezi have benefited from the connectivity project: Mushitala
School, Makole School, Cheshire Homes School for children living with
disabilities, Kikombe Primary and Secondary, Solwezi Urban School, St Charles
Special School, Beliya School, and Rodwell Mwepu School. Measures to monitor
and assess the impact on the quality of education are underway, emphasizing a
commitment to continuous improvement.
In addition
to equipping students and teachers with tools for advanced research and
essential educational materials, the partnership also aims to improve
educational standards by granting access to important websites like the
Examinations Council of Zambia and other platforms with Zambian curriculum
materials.
Beyond the
classroom, the initiative enhances technological advancement and digital
literacy in local communities through enhanced connectivity.
FQML’s
Kansanshi mine plays a pivotal role by generously supporting these
government-run schools in its community. This support extends to education,
HIV/AIDS awareness, and efforts against arranged child marriages. As part of
their commitment, the company has donated desks and computers to schools in the
region.
Students in
remote areas often lack essential digital resources, hindering their
educational opportunities and limiting their ability to compete with urban
counterparts. This partnership aims to bridge this divide, spur inclusiveness
in disadvantaged areas, enhance STEM learning and improve literacy rates which
is a cornerstone for empowering citizens and improving the quality of the lives
of the people in Zambia.
The
partnership between Liquid Zambia and FQML is part of the strategic
collaboration that the former entered in 2023 with the Zambian government, to
provide connectivity to 1,291 schools across Zambia. To date, Liquid has
successfully connected 30 schools across the country, reiterating it’s
commitment to its vision of a digitally connected future that leaves no African
behind. This effort aligns with the government’s vision to integrate digital
components into the educational system, benefitting students across all
spectrums, including those with physical or learning disabilities.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye