Africa-Press – Botswana. Chief Education Officer at Hukuntsi Sub-Region, Ms Kankane Sephiri has expressed gratitude to Botswana Fiber Network (BoFiNet) for their donation to Maitshoko Primary School, describing it as a noble gesture.
Ms Sephiri remarked at a hand over ceremony in Maake recently, where BoFiNet refurbished the school’s computer laboratory at the tune of P120,000.
The hand over of the refurbished facility was made alongside the donation of 10 laptops, 8 tablets, 15 chairs, a printer, and cyber security awareness learning materials for the school library.
“This initiative will go a long way in helping the school overcome shortage of learning materials in the district,” Ms Sephiri said.
She noted that the assistance would empower teachers to deliver e-learning, a key focus of the government’s education strategy.
Highlighting the impact of ICT in teaching, Ms Sephiri cited promising results already witnessed at Ngwatle Primary School. She commended BoFiNet for stepping up to adopt Maitshoko Primary School and committing to monitor the school’s progress, noting that such support would inspire both educators and learners to strive for excellence.
“As the world embraces digitalisation, this timely intervention prepares our learners for the 21st century and a future where examinations will be computerised,” she added.
Ms Sephiri also acknowledged the steady improvement in the school’s academic performance over the years, attributing it to the dedication of teachers, learners, and the unwavering support of parents.
BoFiNet acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Keabetswe Segole said the donation was part of the company’s efforts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural schools.
“We learned that the school did not have a functioning computer lab, which deprived learners of vital ICT skills. Digital skills are no longer a privilege but a basic necessity to thrive in today’s world,” Mr Segole said.
He explained that BoFiNet, which contributed to the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) through a levy imposed by the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), was collaborating with both BOCRA and UASF to ensure the school’s internet connectivity met its needs.
“The donation follows a needs assessment that began six months ago, when the Ministry of Communications and Innovation selected Hukuntsi as host for the World Telecommunications & Information Society Day commemorations.
This initiative helped identify Maitshoko Primary as one of the most school in need of ICT support,” he said.
Mr Segole stressed the importance of providing learners in Maake with the same quality of education as their urban counterparts.
“Children in Maake and surrounding areas deserve the chance to become computer engineers, AI specialists, and digital entrepreneurs,” he said.
He also praised the school’s history of academic excellence.
Reaffirming BoFiNet’s commitment to connect every Motswana to reliable and affordable ICT services, Mr Segole highlighted the company’s achievement of nearly 90 per cent national broadband coverage, with a goal of reaching 100 per cent by 2028.
Providing further insight into the school’s progress, Deputy School Head Mr Gaolatlhe Phuthego shared that Maitshoko primary currently had an enrollment of 123 students.
He noted that since the school’s establishment in 1998, performance, particularly in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), had been below expectations but had steadily improved in recent years.
“In 2021, the school achieved a pass rate of 46.67 per cent, followed by 31.33 per cent in 2022. However, the performance then significantly improved to 69.23 per cent in 2023 and remained steady at 69 per ncent in 2024,” Mr Phuthego said.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
