AFRICA – Exhibitors at the recent Agritech Expo in Zambia had a chance to show off their generosity, as well as their latest wares, thanks to the event’s new community outreach programme.
Agritech Expo, owned by the Zambia National Farmers Union, attracted more than 11,700 visitors last month (April 14-16) to the GART research farm, including Zambia’s president Edgar Lungu and vice president Inonge Wina.
The Chisamba site is also home to the Golden Valley Basic School.
Expo organiser Spintelligent, based in Cape Town, recently launched a pilot programme to upgrade the school and create a safer and more stimulating learning environment for its 546 students and 17 teachers.
Headmaster Darius Tshisenga said the school community was overjoyed.
“A better place to study will have an impact on how our kids perform academically,” Mr Tshisenga said.
“These kids used to dose off while studying because of the lack of oxygen in the classrooms because we had no windows to get fresh air,” he said.
Spintelligent managing director David Ashdown said he was thrilled with the response from exhibitors and sponsors.
“Education is one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty and inequality and lays a foundation for sustained economic growth,” Mr Ashdown said.
“During the first phase of the project we were able to replace the windows, give the school a new paint job and replace ablution facilities in less than a week,” he said.
Mr Ashdown said it was the start of a long-term project and more donations were needed to help with renovations, farming assistance, stationery, school and sports equipment.
The school will also receive a boost during Spintelligent’s African EduWeek, on July 1-2, in Johannesburg, which will help to provide a school library, furniture and stationery.
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