Debswana’s Ambassadors for Good: Empowering Underprivileged learners with Robotics and STEM Education

Gaborone, Botswana – Debswana is making significant strides with its Ambassadors for Good initiatives in Botswana, empowering employees to use their skills and time to support community projects they are passionate about. This program encourages employees to identify and support projects through volunteerism, fostering a culture of community engagement and development.

Recently, a group of Debswana employees, known as Next Gen Digital North, partnered with the Chobe Education Fund to improve school results in the Chobe District. They launched the ‘Ambassadors for Good Project’ at Chobe Junior Secondary School in Kasane. This Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) project aims to equip students with knowledge in robotics, technology, and science-related subjects. The programme is designed to close the digital skills gap among students and enhance their interest in pursuing STEM-related courses in the future.

At the launch, Principal Analyst - Digital Business Architect Ms. Monkgogi Tshosa, who leads the Next Gen Digital North team, emphasized the project's goal to bridge this gap while giving a voice to the students. The programme will also empower learners with coding and robotics skills.

In her keynote address, Ms. Tebogo Seitei, the Principal Education Officer for the Chobe Region, highlighted the necessity of digital skills in improving the country’s global competitiveness. She noted that these skills can be exported globally in the long run. Ms. Seitei commended Chobe Junior Secondary School for embracing this opportunity and utilizing it to positively influence the students' educational journeys.

This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative action in promoting education and digital literacy, aligning with broader efforts to enhance Botswana's global competitiveness and sustainable development. By investing in the digital skills of the youth, Debswana is not only addressing the immediate educational needs of the Chobe District but also laying the groundwork for a more technologically advanced and competitive future for Botswana.