According to a statement from the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, to which VerAngola had access, the inauguration of the school – built by Sonils, within the framework of its social responsibility – was attended by the ministers of Education and Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, among other entities.
"Accompanied by the Minister of Education, Governor of Luanda, Secretary of State for Oil and Gas and members of the Sonangol Steering Committee, Minister Diamantino Azevedo inaugurated the community school 1235 in Boavista, built by Sonils within the scope of his responsibility social", reads the note.
The school, valued at 1.3 billion kwanzas, has 15 classrooms "with a capacity for 1350 students divided into three shifts". Furthermore, the statement said, the infrastructure also has "a library, multipurpose court, administrative facilities, car park", among other services.
"It is indeed gratifying to be present here and be able to participate in the inauguration of this community school in Boavista, not only because I am in this role, but also because education is one of my loves", said Diamantino Azevedo, adding that they are "investing not only in infrastructure, but in the future of Angola".
At the time, the minister considered that the country is built on education.
Quoted in the statement, the minister expressed his "appreciation for the role that the oil sector has played in participating in activities of this kind".
"I want to express my appreciation for the role that the oil sector has played in participating in activities of this kind, the function of the sector serves to generate revenue for the country, it would not make sense if it were not complemented with direct engagement in social change in the country", he stated.
Furthermore, the government official reaffirmed the "commitment of oil companies, such as Sonangol and its subsidiaries, to investing in the development of the communities where they operate".
"The inauguration of this infrastructure is not just about concrete, we are working for the future of our country, I ask those responsible for this school, the students, the community to preserve the school, to take care of its maintenance", reads in the statement.
In turn, the institution's student Evalnisa Mendes, on behalf of all students, thanked the gesture, having promised to take care of the school, which will be beneficial for "the entire educational community of Patrício Lumumba and its surroundings".
"At this school, we will spend a few years learning, growing as people and contributing to the future in our second home, learning and teaching, knowing how to be and knowing how to be. We are the future, we are the hope, we are the passion, we are the history that many of you will remember", said the student, quoted in the statement.
