Botswana School of Business Sciences (BAC) partnered with Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) to equip fourteen (14) out-of-school youth from Bontleng and Old Naledi in Gaborone with essential Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital skills.
The initiative aligns with BAC broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Framework, which places emphasis on youth engagement, skills-based volunteering and community development through the transfer of ICT knowledge and expertise. Implemented in commemoration of World Youth Skills Day 2026, the initiative seeks to bridge the digital skills gap by providing young people with practical competencies relevant to today’s technology-driven economy.
Held from 27th to 31st July 2026, the five-day training was facilitated by lecturers from BAC School of Computing and Information Systems and brought together out-of-school youth selected through BNYC Community outreach initiatives. The training covered digital literacy, Microsoft Office applications, artificial intelligence, CV writing and online professional profiling, gaining practical skills relevant to employability, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.
The training culminated in a Training Certification Ceremony held on Friday 21st August 2026 at BNYC in Gaborone. The ceremony gathered key stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of the trainees and highlight the importance of partnerships in expanding access to digital skills and creating opportunities for young people.
During the ceremony, trainees received certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the training. BAC also donated eight (8) computers to the BNYC Computer Laboratory to enhance its capacity to provide digital literacy training and give more young people access to technology.
Delivering the keynote address, BAC Deputy Executive Director – Corporate Services, Ms Pascaline Sefawe, highlighted the growing importance of digital skills in a rapidly changing world, noting that technology is no longer limited to the IT sector but has become essential across different areas of life and work. She emphasised the important role of higher learning institutions in sharing knowledge, expertise and resources to create opportunities for underserved communities.
Ms Sefawe encouraged trainees to build on the knowledge gained through the training and apply their skills to pursue opportunities, improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society. She noted that initiatives of this nature support Botswana’s aspirations of developing an educated, informed and globally competitive citizenry capable of driving sustainable socio-economic development, in line with the aspirations of Vision 2036.
Representing trainees, Ms Magdeline Ramonyelenyele expressed appreciation to BAC and BNYC for the training, support and patience throughout the five-day programme. She noted that the participants valued the knowledge and skills gained and called for similar training opportunities to continue, allowing more young people to benefit from digital skills development.
BNYC Acting Programmes Coordinator, Ms Ntletleng Lesejane, expressed appreciation to BAC for the partnership, the expertise provided by its lecturers and the donation of computers. She noted that the donated equipment would benefit young people accessing the BNYC Computer Laboratory and strengthen the Council’s efforts to provide accessible digital skills training and equip more young people with relevant knowledge and resources.
Initiatives of this nature also contribute to Botswana’s aspirations of building a knowledge-based economy and digitally skilled workforce, while supporting efforts to address youth unemployment and promote economic diversification.
Additionally, the partnership between BAC and BNYC demonstrates the value of collaboration in addressing community needs, advancing digital inclusion and creating opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in the digital economy and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.