Chinese firm praised in Angola for donating rural school

Angola's Minister of Energy and Water Joao Borges (L) and the Governor of Cunene Province Gerdina Didalelwa (2nd Left) attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the "Eko" primary school donated by a Chinese company in Xangongo, Angolan southern province of Cunene, on July 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Lyu Chengcheng)

Construction started Wednesday on a primary school donated by Sinohydro, a Chinese company, in the rural area of Xangongo, in Angola's southern province of Cunene.

LUANDA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Construction started Wednesday on a primary school donated by Sinohydro, a Chinese company, in the rural area of Xangongo, in Angola's southern province of Cunene.

The school, named "Eko" after the community, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. It will feature 12 classrooms and can accommodate 840 students in two shifts.

During a ceremony to mark the commencement of the construction, Angola's Minister of Energy and Water Joao Borges expressed appreciation for the Chinese company's socially responsible initiative. He emphasized the project's significance in improving the living conditions of the local population and promoting educational inclusiveness.

"Next year, this school will be fully operational, with all the necessary conditions guaranteed," he said.

The Ondjiva Diocese Bishop Pio Hipunyati noted that the surrounding area has only six primary and no secondary schools. While all students complete primary education, they lack opportunities to continue their education, but the new Eko school, when completed, can cater to secondary education needs.

"This is a rural community that needs all the attention. You cannot imagine the importance this school holds for this community," he said. "We are facing an extremely important project for our community. We are grateful, above all, to Sinohydro and the Ministry of Energy and Water for enabling us to achieve this accomplishment."

In an interview with Xinhua, Gerdina Didalelwa, the governor of Cunene Province, emphasized the importance of continuing the partnership with China in fostering sustainable development and reducing poverty in Angola.

"It is necessary to continue this partnership and work with Chinese companies for the development of Angola, especially in Cunene Province," she said.