In a move to provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills to the community of Lufwanyama District in Zambia, emerald mining company, Kagem Mining Limited is building a $2.7 million polytechnic institution, which is set to be the nation’s first to adopt a digital framework.
This, comes as the country's National STEM Foundation partnered with the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA), the Zambia Federation of Employers, and the Agricultural Institute of Zambia, to support work-based learning, enhance training programme relevance, and boost STEM uptake among young people.
The facility, Chapula Polytechnic, is expected to be handed over to the Ministry of Technology and Science in December this year. Doors will be opened to students in January 2026 under a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and TEVETA.
According to mine representatives, the initiative is due to an outcry from the community, highlighting that the company has not been absorbing local talent.
Kagem cited the lack of skills capacity, as such the mine aims to employ graduates from the new institution, with over 180 students from the district and surrounding areas expected to be accommodated.
The ministry believes that such undertakings seek to address skills gaps and mismatches in the country's labour force. It also emphasised that the project represents a significant collaboration between the private sector and the government, united in their objective to enhance educational opportunities, with students set to be certified up to a degree level.
“From the government's perspective, this endeavour will cultivate a vital and independent community capable of fostering hope and stability through education. Such opportunities contribute to peace and harmony within society,” noted the ministry in statement.
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