Hima cement builds school infrastructure worth ugx 250 million in western uganda

July 23rd 2009. KAMPALA, UGANDA- Hima Cement has today handed over 14 classroom blocks, pupil desks, 10,000 litre water tank, pit latrines and tree seedlings worth over UGX. 250 million to Ngoma Primary school, Nyabbani Secondary School and St. Jude Rwemirama Primary School in Kamwenge district.

Speaking at the handover, Hima Cement’s Plant Manager, Mr. Allen Mate said that this investment is part of the company’s commitment to improve the lives of their community as part of Corporate Social Responsibility.

"As a company, Education is one of our key focus areas in CSR. We have committed to continuously identifying with the educational needs of our community because we believe that an educated community is a developing community. We have invested in construction of new classrooms as well as support the efforts of the community by helping them complete their own classrooms projects. We also help in furnishing of classrooms and tree planting in these schools” Ms. Mate said.

Hima has spearheaded educational and environmental rehabilitation programs within schools around the country. They have provided local schools with furniture, constructed large capacity water tanks as well as rehabilitating school blocks, and providing sanitation systems.

Hima’s contribution through these projects has increased access to education in these rural schools which now have capacity to accommodate a large number of pupils. Speaking at the handover, the head teacher St. Jude Rwemirama said that “Hima’s intervention has led to more than doubling our school enrolment and our school has now been registered by UNEB as an examination centre. Our school has seen a total transformation through Hima’s support and our children are more interested in school as a result of improved learning environment.”

Hima has also taken part in several other CSR projects through its Green Schools Project, Malaria Control Project and Hima Community Anti-Retroviral Treatment project in Kasese district. Mr. Mate said “CSR is part and parcel of our operations and our investment in the future of our community remains our priority even in the midst of the global economic meltdown.”

The head teachers of the three schools thanked Hima for the donations and promised to maintain them well and put them to good use while aiming at better educations standards for their students.