More than 300 learners at John Howard Community School in Lusaka have received support through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnership worth more than K30,000 between the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and Softcare Industrial Zambia Limited.
The partnership has culminated in the donation of essential supplies, including sanitary pads, teaching materials, and hygiene products aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene, improving sanitation, and creating a healthier and more conducive learning environment.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa commended Softcare for demonstrating responsible investment through its contribution to community welfare.
Mr. Halwampa said investment should go beyond business growth and job creation to include meaningful contributions to the well-being of communities and future generations.
He echoed President Hakainde Hichilema’s sentiments that education is the greatest equaliser, noting that access to quality education plays a critical role in creating opportunities, reducing inequalities and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Looking at the many faces here, I believe that among these pupils are future ministers, a Director General of ZDA and even a future President. This is why we must prioritise education,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Halwampa recalled his early school days in Makonka Village, where he had to walk to school barefoot, emphasising the importance of creating opportunities for children to access education despite their circumstances.
He further invited the school to visit ZDA offices to learn about the Agency’s mandate and its role in attracting investment to drive Zambia’s economic development.
Meanwhile, Softcare Managing Director, Paul Wang, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting education and improving community well-being, noting that business success should also be reflected in its positive impact on society.
”Guided by our philosophy of ‘More Care, More Love,’ at Softcare, we reaffirm our commitment to building meaningful relationships with communities and contributing to an improved quality of life for local families,” said Mr. Wang
And John Howard Community School Headteacher, Thomas Kafwimbi, disclosed that the school currently has more than 300 orphaned learners, from preschool to Grade Seven, who face challenges including inadequate teaching and learning materials, limited handwashing facilities, dilapidated infrastructure and a shortage of sanitary pads for female learners.
Mr. Kafwimbi thanked ZDA and Softcare for the donation, noting that the support would go a long way in addressing some of the school’s challenges and creating a more conducive learning environment.
Meanwhile, a Grade Six pupil, Gladys Mulenga, expressed gratitude to ZDA and its partner, Softcare, for the donation, saying the sanitary products and other supplies would help girls remain in school while promoting their health and protection against diseases.
