Toyota Zambia and World Vision partner to construct a classroom block at Hippo Pool Community
In partnership with World Vision, Toyota Zambia has embarked on a project to construct a 1x2 classroom block at Hippo Pool Community School in Chingola District, on the Copperbelt, valued at K628,000 (US$36,500).
Since its inception in 2003, the school has faced significant challenges in providing a conducive learning environment for learners due to inadequate learning space, which resulted in classes being held irregularly; thereby affecting the quality of education for the pupils. The inadequate school infrastructure cannot meet the high demand for education services needed by the children in Hippo Community and surrounding areas.
Speaking at the Groundbreaking ceremony, World Vision's Zambia National Director John Hasse said that the collaboration between Toyota Zambia and World Vision speaks World Vision's core value of ‘we are partners’; which makes it possible to take development to vulnerable children and their communities through life-changing interventions.
“We want to see all children in Zambia have the opportunity to receive a quality education that will prepare them for the opportunities and challenges of the future. In partnership with Toyota Zambia, we are ensuring that children who attend school at Hippo Pool Community School learn in a favourable environment. Upon completion, this infrastructure will benefit over 400 children in the community”, expressed Mr. Hasse.
Toyota Zambia's General Manager, Mr. Gilbert Mfuya noted, "In line with our shareholder vision of growing together with the community in areas where we operate, our corporate social responsibility support focuses on providing support in areas of health, education, safety and environmental sustainability."
Mr. Mfuya added, "Some of the challenges faced by the Hippo Pool Community School include among others, poor infrastructure, insufficient furniture for learners and lack of housing for teachers which has resulted in the school only having community volunteers as teachers. Toyota Zambia and World Vision have resolved to support the community by constructing a 1x2 classroom block which we are commissioning today".
It is our hope that with the provision of a good learning facility, more children in this area will be able to access primary education, which is a foundation for our national development.