Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, is pleased to announce 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.
