Luanda MP Maungu raises alarm over pupils quitting school for gold mining

Luanda Member of Parliament Dick Maungu has expressed alarm over an increasing number of schoolchildren leaving education to engage in gold mining in Mwibona Ward, Luanda Constituency. During a meeting with locals, parents, and teachers at Mulwanda Primary School on Friday, October 16, 2026, Maungu urged authorities to act and encourage these children to return to their schools.

He revealed that at least 13 school-going children had dropped out of school to engage in gold mining. "I have received reports that school children in this area of Mulwanda, Mwibona Ward have dropped out of school to venture into gold mining. I want our security team to look for such children and ensure they go back to their respective schools," Maungu stated, labeling the trend dangerous and detrimental to the children's futures.

Maungu highlighted his commitment to improving the educational environment by addressing issues such as school infrastructure, stationery supply, and financial aid for students via bursaries and scholarships. He emphasized that children dropping out of school for gold mining would thwart his efforts to enhance education in Luanda.

Acknowledging the importance of electricity for learning institutions and homes, Maungu shared that his initiatives have facilitated power connections to many homes and institutions across Luanda's five wards, including the Mulwanda Village electrification project, which cost Ksh8.9 million and serves over 68 homes. Maungu appealed to Luanda constituents to evaluate him based on his development record rather than relying solely on political rhetoric.

He concluded by stating, "Every leader will be judged by his performance record. For my case, I am focused on performance to my people and my slogan is Kazi Kwanza Siasa Baadaye."