On February 17, 2025, Elder Dale G. Renlund, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was joined by his wife, Sister Ruth R. Renlund, as they participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Shifwankula Secondary School in Zambia. They were accompanied by local leaders, dignitaries, and ministers to celebrate this important occasion.
The event marked the official handover of newly constructed school facilities, which generated great excitement within the community. The ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances, including musical presentations by the school band and majorettes, as hundreds of students warmly welcomed the distinguished guests in attendance.
Shifwankula Secondary School, along with the nearby Shifwankula Primary School, serves as the only government schools in the region, catering to approximately 7,700 students from 13 surrounding villages. As a result, the demand for educational resources has significantly increased, and the schools alone cannot meet the growing need. In 2023, the Church supported the schools' expansion by constructing nine new classrooms, building ablution blocks, and donating 500 desks to the primary school.
As part of the ongoing development, new science laboratories, an administrative block, and an additional ablution block were added to the secondary school’s infrastructure. This phase of development represents the Church's ongoing commitment to improving education in the area and addressing key barriers to learning.
During the handover ceremony, Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, expressed the profound impact of these donations. He noted, “The positive feedback is that the learning environment has greatly improved, and the value added to the existing infrastructure will significantly enhance the quality of education for the students.”
In his address, Elder Renlund highlighted the critical role of education within the Church's broader humanitarian initiatives. He stated, “Education and literacy are keys to personal growth, self-reliance, strong families, and meaningful contributions to society. […] Education is the best equalizer in life. It is the foundation for the progress of all children and youth in Zambia.”
As Elder Renlund concluded his visit, he reminded the people of Zambia of the Savior's love for them, offering the promise that He is always mindful of them.
