Barrick Gold Corporation sets up primary school at Humai village.

ISLAMAABAD -- To provide free education to the children of local community and adjoining area, Barrick Gold Corporation set up a primary school at Humai village near Reko Diq on Saturday.

The school was set up under the company's social investment program, said a press release received here.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Reko Diq Pakistan Country Manager, Ali E. Rind said that Barrick being a genuine partner to the host communities, was bringing real change and building stronger and more sustainable communities.

He hoped that the primary school at Humai would open doors to quality education and opportunities for local children.

'Our focus on education will continue and the Humai Primary School is planned to be upgraded in phases. Additionally, the access to education in three nearby villages and Nokkundi are planned to start this year," he said.

Rind said these initiatives are in keeping with Barrick's policy of educating local communities and preparing them for future employment in the mining industry. "We will continue to expand our educational initiatives in the rest of the Chagai district', he added.

On the occasion, the local community leaders and district administration expressed their appreciation to Barrick for being responsive to community needs as the children of Humai village previously had no access to schools and formal education.

A local community leader said, 'We want to thank Barrick for making the school functional by refurbishing it, appointing a trained teacher and providing free books and uniforms to our children. We now have hope for a better future for our children.'

Barrick's social investment...