The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), officially handed over learning materials to support Early Childhood Development (ECD) at Oodi Primary School. The donation included seventy-eight boxes of ECD play materials, fifty boxes of stationery, forty-six boxes of recreational kits, and two thousand six hundred and forty school bags. These resources are set to reach schools across Kgatleng District that were severely affected by floods earlier this year. The initiative aims to restore learning environments and ensure children continue their education without disruption.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Honourable Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its ongoing support. She highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that children in Botswana access basic needs, including quality education, in line with the Children’s Act. The Minister assured UNICEF that the donated materials would be used responsibly, transparently, and exclusively for their intended purpose to maximize benefit for learners and communities.
The Honourable Minister, alongside Permanent Secretary Ms Mmamiki Kamanakao, emphasized that the donation comes at a critical time as the Ministry advances a transformative STEAM-driven education system starting at the grassroots level. They noted that the initiative will help learners develop their talents from an early age, pursue meaningful career pathways, and acquire competencies necessary to meet the demands of the 21st century.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government of Botswana to build resilient education systems that place children at the center of development. The partnership underscores the shared goal of ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to quality learning materials and opportunities for holistic growth.
This collaborative effort highlights the importance of early childhood education as a foundation for long-term learning and development. Schools across Kgatleng District are set to benefit immediately, with children receiving materials that promote both academic and recreational engagement, strengthening their learning experiences after the disruptions caused by the floods.
