ICA to support schools in mining areas

The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) is practicing its social responsibility at various schools in mining areas. It recently donated computers to 20 schools in the mining areas of Columbia, at a ceremony held at the University of Santo Tomas in Chiquinquira town. Jonathan Bazalel, ICA member and marketing manager of CI Bogota Emerald Mart Ltda said, “The only thing we have asked is that these computers be for the exclusive use of the children and not for administrative purposes”. The event was attended by emerald miners, industry stakeholders, local mayors, provosts, professors, parents and students.

Similarly, two years ago it donated two computers to the schools in Muzo, La Pita and Coscuez areas. “We recognised the lack of technology and need for more computers, so we followed up with the second donation a week ago reaching 18 more schools in the mining areas,” said ICA Communications Director Jean Claude Michelou.

In June 2007, ICA President Andrew Cody donated computer equipment for schools in the Tourmalina district of Minas Gerais, at the Brazil Gem Show. With the help of ICA Ambassador to Kenya, Susie Kennedy, ICA donated computers to schools in the country's mining areas the group visited in the country. In Tanzania, ICA is building housing facilities for teachers of a rural school in a mining area, with funds donated by ICA and a trip is arranged for participants. All this forms part of ICA’s social responsibility.