As children’s lives become increasingly intertwined with the internet, telecommunications companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate that connectivity comes with responsibility. Orange Botswana’s latest stop in Francistown suggests the company intends to position itself as more than a provider of data and voice services.
The company’s For Good Connections programme, held at John Mackenzie School, brought together pupils from across the city for a day of workshops, discussions and sporting activities centred on responsible internet use. Topics included cyberbullying, digital wellbeing and the challenge of balancing screen time with offline life.
The initiative reflects a broader concern that digital literacy is no longer simply about access. It is increasingly about equipping young people with the skills needed to navigate online risks. Orange Botswana says the programme is designed to provide practical guidance in an engaging setting rather than through conventional classroom instruction.
The Francistown event attracted strong participation from learners who took part in discussions, practical exercises and recreational activities throughout the day.
The company also sees the programme as a national project. Having launched the initiative in Gaborone last year, it now plans to take the campaign to more communities around the country.
That ambition reflects a recognition that online safety cannot be delegated to schools alone. Orange argues that parents, educators, businesses and communities share responsibility for creating a safer digital environment. The emphasis is not on restricting technology but on helping children develop healthy online habits while understanding potential dangers.
The Francistown event attracted strong participation from learners who took part in discussions, practical exercises and recreational activities throughout the day.
Telecommunications firms often promote digital inclusion through network expansion and affordable access. Orange’s approach reflects an interpretation of the concept: that meaningful inclusion also requires users to engage with technology safely and responsibly.
