The Orange Botswana Foundation successfully launched Phase 1 of its Education+/Back to School (BTS) 2026 initiative on 07 May 2026, marking the start of a structured nationwide rollout to deliver essential school kits to learners in underserved communities across Botswana.
The launch took place across three schools Kalakamati, Makaleng, and Kutamogore the first to receive the school kits under this year’s rollout. The initiative brought together government leadership, educators, and community stakeholders in a shared commitment to strengthen access to education.
The Assistant Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Honourable Justice Hunyepa, officiated the launch as Guest Speaker, highlighting the importance of collective action in ensuring that no learner is left behind.
“This is not a charitable gesture. It is a deliberate investment in learning readiness—ensuring that learners are equipped to engage, to focus, and to thrive. When a child has their own tools, it changes how they show up. It builds confidence and reinforces their sense of belonging.”
“These kinds of partnerships remind us that education is a shared responsibility,” the Assistant Minister noted, emphasizing that meaningful participation in education requires learners to be adequately equipped and supported.
These three schools marked the starting point of a broader rollout, which will extend to 12 schools Xhaoga, Tsodilo, Sesung, Maokane, Ukhwi, S/Phikwe, Semolale, Kjoe, Seolwane, Mmaphashalala, Kavimba and Sepako in the coming weeks.
Learners received comprehensive school kits designed to support everyday learning. Each kit included a backpack, notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, a rubber (eraser), and a lunch box.
While simple in form, these items play a critical role in enabling learning readiness. For many learners, they remove practical barriers that can affect confidence, participation, and overall classroom engagement.
Speaking at the launch, Director of People and Social Impact at Orange Botswana, Ms Modiri Nlanda, underscored the strategic intent behind the initiative:
“This is not a charitable gesture. It is a deliberate investment in learning readiness—ensuring that learners are equipped to engage, to focus, and to thrive. When a child has their own tools, it changes how they show up. It builds confidence and reinforces their sense of belonging.”
The Education+/Back to School initiative forms part of the Foundation’s broader mission to improve access to education and reduce inequality in learning environments, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The programme also complements Orange Botswana’s Digital Schools Network, which currently spans 87 schools nationwide. Through a phased, year-on-year approach, the initiative will progressively extend across this network ensuring sustainability, equity, and long-term impact.
Ultimately, the initiative reflects a shared national belief: that every child deserves the opportunity to learn with confidence, dignity, and the tools they need to succeed.
By pairing digital access with essential physical learning resources, the Foundation is adopting a more holistic approach to education support—one that strengthens both access and participation.
Following the launch, Phase 1 will continue through coordinated distribution to the remaining schools, before advancing to Phase 2, which will extend support to an additional seven schools.
As the BTS 2026 rollout progresses, the Orange Botswana Foundation remains committed to a structured and sustainable approach that prioritizes impact, equity, and community need.
Ultimately, the initiative reflects a shared national belief: that every child deserves the opportunity to learn with confidence, dignity, and the tools they need to succeed.
