A new P1.5 million digital centre was officially launched at Sankoyo Primary School yesterday, marking an expansion of digital infrastructure into Botswana’s rural communities.
The facility was officiated by First Lady Kaone Tumalano Boko, alongside the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Honourable Lesego Chombo, and the Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, David Tshere.
Funded by the Universal Services and Access Fund (UASF) through the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), the centre aims to provide internet access and digital literacy training to local learners.
The new facility is equipped with 30 laptops, internet connectivity, an interactive smart board, a printer, and educational workstations, establishing the school’s first structured access to digital learning tools. Focus on Educational Equity and Regional Development
Speaking at the handover, Minister Chombo framed the investment as a matter of educational equity, arguing that rural learners require the same access to technological tools as their urban counterparts to remain competitive. The initiative holds personal significance for Minister Chombo, who noted her background as a native of the North West District.
She expressed pride in seeing development resources directed toward the communities that shaped her youth. “This investment reminds us that true inclusion means ensuring that children in our rural communities have the same opportunity to innovate, create, and compete as children anywhere else in the world,” Minister Chombo stated.
“The future belongs to those who can access knowledge, and yesterday that future came a little closer to Sankoyo.” The Minister urged the students to fully utilize the facility to prepare themselves for an increasingly digital global economy. Alignment with Strategic National Objectives The establishment of the Sankoyo digital centre directly supports the Botswana National Youth Policy (2026–2036), specifically under its Education, Skills Development, and Innovation Pillar.
The national policy mandates greater access to ICT, emerging technologies, and STEAM education. By deploying furnished digital hubs in underserved areas, the framework seeks to equip young citizens with the necessary technical skills to transition from consumers of technology into active participants and innovators within the digital economy.