Africa-Press – Botswana. On Tuesday, 16th December 2025, Mmathubudukwane village kgotla became the centre of national attention as the Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Honourable Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, officially launched Project Bula Buka. The initiative is designed to provide out-of-school youths who did not perform well in their Junior Certificate (JC) and Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) examinations a second chance to return to school and reclaim their future. The launch event was held under the theme, “Re-claiming Futures; One Learner at a Time.”
Honourable Minister Kgafela-Mokoka addressed the nation, describing Project Bula Buka as a distinct three-year initiative implemented by her Ministry in collaboration with Botswana Open University. She emphasized that the program will provide educational access, skills training, character building, and academic remediation to out-of-school JC and BGCSE leavers. The Minister highlighted that the project aims to create pathways for youth to re-enter formal education, acquire practical skills, and develop the competencies needed for personal and professional growth.
Supporting the initiative, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ms Mamiki Kamanakao, outlined the project’s broader social and economic benefits. She explained that Project Bula Buka is designed to empower youth, increase employment prospects, and promote self-employment opportunities. By equipping learners with education and practical skills, the initiative seeks to reduce poverty and address social challenges linked to youth unemployment. Ms Kamanakao emphasized that this approach aligns with national objectives, aiming for gainful employment and self-reliance as a means to eradicate absolute poverty by 2036.
The launch at Mmathubudukwane village symbolized the government’s commitment to leaving no learner behind. By focusing on out-of-school youth, Project Bula Buka addresses gaps in the education system and provides an opportunity for learners to reclaim their academic and professional trajectories. The initiative also incorporates mentorship, career guidance, and character development, ensuring participants are prepared to succeed both academically and in the workforce.
Project Bula Buka represents a strategic step toward building a skilled and productive youth population. It is expected to contribute to national development by transforming the lives of JC and BGCSE leavers who would otherwise have limited opportunities. Through education, training, and empowerment, the project aims to create a generation of young Batswana capable of contributing meaningfully to society, reducing dependency, and promoting sustainable development.
With the launch now complete, implementation will begin across targeted districts, providing learners with structured programs, monitoring, and support to ensure successful reintegration into the education system. Project Bula Buka sets a precedent for inclusive education initiatives, offering hope and second chances to those previously left behind, and reinforcing Botswana’s commitment to social development and poverty eradication.
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