News & Events

A TALE OF TWO SCHOOLS: BOTEC DONATES IT EQUIPMENT TO CITY & VILLAGE SCHOOLS

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Given the super-technology age we live in today, it goes without saying that school children need to be given access to computers and IT equipment as part of their learning curriculum. Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) cemented their commitment to promote technological awareness in the country by making a significant donation to Nanogang CJSS in Gaborone Central and remote Diphuduhudu Primary School in the Letlhakeng Sub District.

In the first leg of the donations, BOTEC responded to the request of the Nanogang CJSS Parents Teachers Association who wrote to fifty corporate organisations. According to PTA Chairman Mr Nchunga Nchunga, BOTEC are the first organisation to respond positively to their requests, and this exemplary gesture will surely open doors as other corporates follow the way led by BOTEC. The government, through the Ministry of Education and Skills Development has in place a programme to cater for the teaching and development of computer skills. Mr B.A. Rauwe of the M. E. S (what does this stand for) commented on how government will always welcome the support in promoting the use of computers in schools. BOTEC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Edson T. Selaolo encouraged the young learners to take keen interest in the use of computers and the internet, and in future consider careers related to Information Communication Technology.

The Nanogang CJSS computer laboratory had twenty computers, some of which are no longer working. Handing over the three computers, Mr Thabane Ndlovu of the BOTEC Board of Directors said he hoped the school children would share and take good care of the new equipment for their own into the future.

In the second leg of the donations, BOTEC went all the way to the Letlhakeng Sub District to the remote village of Diphuduhudu, a place which a lot of people probably have never heard of, let alone been there. Narrating the story of how the relationship with BOTEC began, Diphuduhudu Primary School Acting Head Ms J.L. Madube applauded one of her teaching staff whose initiative it was to write to BOTEC and make the request for IT equipment. Diphuduhudu Primary School not only received 3 computers, but also a heavy duty printer, power surge adapter, electric adapters and a voltage regulator. This indeed was highly appreciated given the remoteness of the community at Diphuduhudu.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, BOTEC Board Chairperson and former University of Botswana Dean of Science Professor Otlogetswe Totolo noted that since its inception, there has never been IT applied in the teaching and administration of Diphuduhudu Primary school. In spite of financial challenges, BOTEC remains committed to growing awareness of IT so that even small children can grow up familiar with modern technology and its applications. From the Sub District perspective, the donation was a primary example of the Public – Private Partnership drive by the government. Letlhakeng Sub District Council Chairperson Hon. Leuwe was confident that this donation would benefit other schools and the ward at large, and will go a long way in bridging the rural urban gap.

For schoolchildren who have never been beyond the boundaries of their community, learning with the application of IT equipment marks the beginning of a whole new lifestyle, thanks to genuine courtesy of Botswana Technology Centre.

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