Through Educational Innovation, Environmental Stewardship, and Community Empowerment
Orange Botswana stands at the forefront of social transformation, weaving a tapestry of change through groundbreaking initiatives in education, environmental conservation, child welfare, and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). The telecommunications giant’s unwavering dedication to these causes exemplifies its role as a catalyst for positive change in Batswana society.
Patrick Yane, Acting Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Orange Botswana, illuminates the company’s educational vision through the Orange Botswana Foundation. The foundation has achieved a remarkable feat by distributing 80 Digital School Kits to primary schools nationwide, marking a significant stride in educational advancement.
The sophistication of these educational toolkits reflects Orange Botswana’s innovative approach. Each comprehensive package encompasses tablets, headsets, preloaded servers, laptops, projectors, and cutting-edge educational tools. These resources have reached the nation’s most remote learning centers, including Musu Primary School in Buteti, Butale Primary School in the North East, and Matlhakola Primary School in the Central District, effectively bridging the digital divide and fostering academic excellence.
In addressing societal challenges, Orange Botswana has established a pioneering fund dedicated to supporting GBV survivors. Yane articulated the company’s stance: “As Orange Botswana, we believe in the importance of supporting our community and addressing critical social issues.” This fund serves as a lifeline, providing crucial financial assistance to survivors while facilitating their access to essential services. The initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from Orange Botswana’s staff, underscoring their collective commitment to social change.
The company’s environmental consciousness manifested brilliantly during World Environment Day, launching the “Engage for Change” initiative. This program united staff members with the Maruapula community and the Gaborone City Council (GCC) in environmental preservation efforts, including litter collection and tree planting. The strategic selection of palm trees for their minimal maintenance requirements reflects the company’s pragmatic approach to environmental sustainability.
Orange Botswana’s philanthropic reach extends to youth welfare, exemplified by a P150,000 contribution to the SOS Children’s Village in Tlokweng. This generous donation bolsters sports development programs and enables direct mentorship from Orange staff members. Wane noted, “The partnership followed the successful completion of Orange Botswana’s internal ‘AllConnected’ charity challenge, held earlier this year, where staff walked and ran thousands of steps to raise the funds.”
The company’s recent celebration of International Volunteer Day marked a reflection on 2024’s achievements while setting ambitious goals for the future. Through its “Engage for Change” program, Orange Botswana recognized volunteers’ vital contributions to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Yane emphasized that Orange Botswana’s comprehensive approach to community development reflects its enduring commitment to fostering meaningful change in Batswana society. This multifaceted strategy continues to create ripples of positive impact across the nation, touching lives and building stronger communities.
