KCM AND HELSB ANNOUNCE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS UNDER THE KCM-HELSB SCHOLASTIC EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME
For Immediate Release
11/03/2024
The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc are pleased to announce the award of student loans to 64 outstanding students under the KCM-HELSB Scholastic Excellence Programme for the 2025 academic year following a rigorous selection process.
This USD100,000 annual initiative was launched in January 2025 aimed at supporting academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students from KCM’s areas of operation – Chingola, Chililabombwe, Kitwe, and Shibuyunji districts.
A total of 346 applications were received out of which the 64 students were selected to study at the Copperbelt University (CBU), the University of Zambia (UNZA), Northern Technical College (NORTEC) and Zambia University College of Technology (ZUT) after meeting the eligibility criteria, with the total sponsorship cost amounting to ZMW 2,788,317.82, within the allocated programme budget. The scholarship will cover tuition and other related costs, ensuring that beneficiaries focus on their studies without financial burdens.
The selection was distributed as follows;
- Chingola – 29
- Kitwe – 20
- Chililabombwe – 10
- Shibuyunji – 1
While students per school were distributed as follows;
- The Copperbelt University (CBU) – 56
- The University of Zambia (UNZA) – 3
- Northern Technical College (NORTEC) – 4
- Zambia University College of Technology (ZUT) – 1
Speaking on the development, HELSB Chief Executive Officer, Dr. John Machayi, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to expanding higher education opportunities for Zambian youth. “This partnership with KCM is a testament to our collective resolve to invest in Zambia’s future by empowering bright students who face financial constraints. We appreciate KCM’s dedication to education, and we look forward to growing this programme to benefit more students in the coming years.”
Meanwhile, KCM Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Mewett emphasized the company’s focus on investing in education as a means of fostering local talent development. “At KCM, we believe that access to quality education is key to unlocking Zambia’s potential. This scholarship programme will not only transform the lives of these students but also contribute to building a skilled workforce for the mining and other industrial sectors.”
HELSB and KCM Plc remain committed to strengthening this initiative and exploring further opportunities to expand its reach.
The KCM-HELSB Scholastic Excellence Programme focuses on promoting access to higher education in critical fields such as mining, geology, ICT, and environmental studies, which are vital for Zambia’s socio-economic growth.
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For further details, please contact:
Victoria Kabwe Zimba
PR Manager and Communications
Konkola Copper Mines PLC (KCM)
Stand No. 1408/M
Fern Avenue, Chingola, Zambia
Email: Victoria.kabwe@kcm.co.zm
Chiselwa Kawanda
Manager Corporate Affairs
Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB)
2nd Floor, United Church House
8 Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Woodlands
Lusaka, Zambia
Email: chiselwa.kawanda@helsb.gov.zm