Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) has launched its financial inclusion programme in Hatsalatadi village. Through this initiative, BTC has partnered with Bank of Botswana to take mobile financial services (MFS) to Batswana, countrywide. The programme is designed to promote financial inclusion as an effort to close the gap to financial literacy and services.

Delivering his keynote address, BTC Managing Director, Mr Anthony Masunga stated that the initiative is in support of the World Bank Group’s Universal Financial Access initiative which aims at ensuring that people worldwide regardless of their geographical position and financial status have access to a transaction account” he said. He further stated that “a transaction account serves as a gateway to other financial services such as insurance and medical aid”. Furthermore, he mentioned that Smega mobile money requirements have made it easy for any individual to have access to a transaction account, “to onboard into smega, you are only required to produce you’re a valid national identity card (omang) for citizens and passport for non-citizens”.

Speaking at the official launch, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development & Member of Parliament for Lentsweletau & Mmopane, Honourable Tebogo N. W. Makwinja that stated that “BTC as Botswana’s homegrown telecommunications company continues to showcase their expertise and knowledge through an array of products that are completely reshaping not only our digital landscape but enabling financial freedom to Batswana”, furthermore adding that this financial inclusion initiative is made possible by riding on BTC’s 4.5G network”. She stated that financial technology (fintech) through mobile financial services continues to bridge the financial gap for communities that do not have access to services.

Through this programme, a number of activities will be implemented as part of the BTC Smega financial inclusion programme such as financial literacy training for community leaders and members of the public in selected villages across Botswana; training of residents (morafe) on the importance of insurance (funeral cover) for low-income earners and the unemployed, the promotion of financial literacy to residents through artistic expression such as drama, music, poetry etc. through  partnernerships with artists from the selected villages.

Additionally, BTC will donate and handover service point startup kits to the Village Development Committees (VDCs. ) as well as the employment of the youth in the selected villages who will serve as BTC financial inclusion champions. The champions will provide and carry out services such as; ‘know your customer’ for smega, sim card registration and other BTC services in their respective village and surrounding areas.

Giving his appreciation remarks, Kweneng District Council Chairperson Honourable Allen Jacobs thanked BTC for this great initiative.  He thanked the Assistant Minister, Government officials and the village leadership for attending the event and engaging morafe on this great initiative.

BOTEPCO, the Botswana Teaching Professionals Council, is making significant strides in its mission to regulate and professionalize the teaching profession in Botswana. In recent months, the council has embarked on a countrywide tour, visiting 10 regions and 20 sub-regions to engage with teachers and address their concerns.

Established under the provisions of the Botswana Teaching Professionals Council Act, BOTEPCO is a body corporate with a board of council members representing various stakeholders in the education sector. Its mandate includes regulating the teaching profession, maintaining professional and ethical standards for teachers, and advocating for their rights.

Despite being a relatively new organization, BOTEPCO has achieved a lot in a short period of time. In June 2023, the council held its first media engagement, laying out its roadmap for the future. Dr. Raphael Dingalo, the Founding Registrar of BOTEPCO, expressed gratitude to the media for their support and coverage since the council’s inception.

During their countrywide tour, BOTEPCO engaged with teachers in various regions, including Kgatleng, Kweneng, South East, North West, Chobe, Central, North East, Kgalagadi, and Ghanzi. These engagements brought to light several key issues, including the need to professionalize the teaching profession and the importance of obtaining a teaching license.

One of the concerns raised by teachers was the potential for intimidation, victimization, or dismissal by certain quarters. BOTEPCO assured teachers that they would not tolerate any form of intimidation and would protect their rights. The council also addressed the issue of registration and licensing fees, taking into consideration the financial standing of teachers.

Another question raised was whether unemployed teachers would be required to accumulate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points when applying for license renewal. BOTEPCO clarified that there would be different categories of registration, taking into account the employment status of teachers.

Looking ahead, BOTEPCO has plans to develop a system that will streamline the registration and licensing process. This system will allow applicants to apply for registration, renew licenses, and make payments online. The design of the system is currently under review.

BOTEPCO is making significant strides in its mission to regulate and professionalize the teaching profession in Botswana. Through its countrywide engagements and commitment to addressing teachers’ concerns, the council is working towards elevating the professional status of teaching. With plans to develop an efficient online system, BOTEPCO is poised to further streamline the registration and licensing process, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for teachers.

Enko Botho School is proud to announce and celebrate the remarkable achievements of its graduating class of 2023 which marked the school’s first ever graduation ceremony with 3 completing groups being the IGCSE, AS Levels and IBDP classes. The spectacular graduation ceremony, which was held at the Enko Botho multi-purpose hall was a joyous occasion filled with pride, heartfelt speeches, and the recognition of the remarkable accomplishments of the graduating students.

According to the Head of School, Mr Benjamin Green, this was a momentous occasion worthy of celebration as this was the first time the school had 3 graduating classes.

“This is a significant milestone in our journey as an educational institution still considered to be in its infancy stage. We are proud of how far we have come and are super proud of the graduating Classes of 2023,” he says.

Located in Block 7, Gaborone, Enko Botho has positioned itself as an educational institution with a reputation for providing quality education that empowers students to reach their full potential. At inception, the school had only 36 students in a tiny building and now boasts over 400 students and 37 state-of-the-art classrooms across three blocks.

To this, Mr Green thanked the parents who took a risk with the school in 2020 and entrusted them with the education of their children. He expressed great joy at seeing some of the faces that started with them in 2020 at the height of COVID-19, not only graduating but having grown and transformed into responsible young adults who he hopes to see fly high and do exceptionally well in future.

As Enko Botho continues to shape the future leaders of Botswana, the institution’s ambition is to be a school of choice for parents who aspire to the best outcomes for their children in Botswana. Through its dedication to academic excellence, character development, and global perspectives, Enko Botho is making a lasting impact on the educational landscape and the lives of its students.